Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Tsarukyan Calls UFC 331 a Do‑Or‑Die Fight as Influencer Says He’ll Corner Him

The Sept. 19 co‑main at Crypto.com Arena could push the winner toward Justin Gaethje’s title but the UFC has not formally guaranteed a shot

Mauricio Ruffy and Arman Tsarukyan face off at a press conference. Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
(via Real American Freestyle)
Image
Image

Overview

  • The lightweight co‑main between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy is set for Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and is widely seen as the clearest near‑term route to the title.
  • Tsarukyan has publicly framed the bout as must‑win and said on his YouTube channel that a loss could cost him any future title shot after he was pulled from a planned 2025 championship fight with a back injury.
  • UFC leadership has not officially labeled the fight a title eliminator and Dana White has not confirmed that the winner will get a guaranteed shot at champion Justin Gaethje.
  • Streamer Mikyle Rafiq (N3on) says Tsarukyan offered him $50,000 to corner the fight and claims he has sent his sizes to the UFC with Khamzat Chimaev also expected to be involved in the corner.
  • The matchup presents a clear stylistic clash with Tsarukyan favored for his wrestling and grappling while Ruffy’s team points to improved takedown defense and knockout power, a result that could reshape matchmaking once Gaethje returns.