Overview
- Arman Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy late in the first round at UFC 331, a finish that many outlets and fighters say makes him the leading contender for the lightweight title.
- Ruffy publicly accepted responsibility for the lapse that allowed the finish and said he is healthy, while coach Ray Longo sharply criticized Ruffy’s late-round defensive decision.
- Champion Justin Gaethje has acknowledged Tsarukyan as “next in line” but said he is undecided about returning because of injuries and retirement considerations.
- The UFC has not booked the next title defense and is weighing options that include waiting for Gaethje, giving Topuria a rematch, or creating an interim or tournament solution.
- Tsarukyan will remain active outside the UFC while the promotion decides, and his UFC 331 win also serves to restore momentum after a prior withdrawn title opportunity.