Overview
- The UFC officially announced Arman Tsarukyan will face Mauricio Ruffy as the five‑round co‑main event for UFC 331 on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
- A rematch with Charles Oliveira was widely expected before Oliveira’s team confirmed the death of Chute Boxe teammate Allan Nascimento, a loss Daniel Cormier says prompted Oliveira’s removal from the card.
- Mauricio Ruffy enters the fight as a heavy hitter with a 14‑2 record and recent knockout wins, and he has publicly said he intends to seek a knockout to fast‑track a title shot.
- Daniel Cormier and other commentators praised Tsarukyan for accepting the late change, arguing this willingness strengthens his case for a title opportunity even though UFC president Dana White has not formally named the fight an eliminator.
- The matchup revives an unresolved lightweight narrative after Tsarukyan beat Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300 and arrives while champion Justin Gaethje is expected to remain out for the rest of the year, making the winner a likely front‑runner for a future title chance.