Arman Tsarukyan’s first round demolition job over Mauricio Ruffy stole the show at UFC 331.
The co-main event saw the Armenian secure the first round knockout over the Brazilian with devastating elbows to finish the fight on Saturday night in Los Angeles, California.
Tsarukyan came into the fight with momentum, having won his last five fights, especially with an impressive submission win against Dan Hooker last year.
An impressive win against Ruffy would have put him in a strong position for a lightweight title shot. An impressive return to glory, especially in Dana White’s eyes after a pullout in a previous title fight due to a back injury according to Tsarukyan put UFC 311 in financial disarray which angered White, the owner of the UFC.
However, Ruffy has enjoyed an incredible 2026, with impressive finishes over Michael Chandler and Rafael Fiziev, the Brazilian was also a win away from serious title contention.
Ruffy immediately connected with the right hand which momentarily dropped Tsarukyan before regaining composure.
Tsarukyan then gained control of the fight with a single leg takedown attempt which eventually worked after Ruffy gave up his back after a long period of resistance.
Arman backed Ruffy up against the cage and exchanged vicious blows, before a combination of heavy elbows left Ruffy unconscious.
For the winner, a title shot beckons against Justin Geathje, and with the win against Ruffy being the first of the year which has extended Tsarukyan’s win streak to six, he would be going into the fight in the form of his UFC career.
For Ruffy, despite the crushing loss, he has still enjoyed a positive year and will be looking to bounce back.
