Dana White Won't Commit To Tsarukyan Title Shot

UFC CEO Dana White stopped short of guaranteeing Arman Tsarukyan a lightweight title shot following a potential victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 later this month.

Tsarukyan's team told Ariel Helwani that a bout with current 155-pound champion Justin Gaethje had been promised with a win over Ruffy in Los Angeles on Sept. 19. White dismissed that assertion in an interview with Sports Central LA this week, according to MMA Mania and BJ Penn.

"I hate to say that until the fight is over," White said when asked if Tsarukyan versus Ruffy qualifies as a number one contender matchup. "Arman says a lot of things. Arman and I have had a nice little run here. Listen, let's see how this fight plays out."

Tsarukyan May Need Finish To Secure Gaethje Fight

The Georgian fighter sits at No. 2 in the official lightweight rankings, one spot below Ilia Topuria. Gaethje previously stated Tsarukyan deserved the next crack more than Topuria, who lost to the current champion at UFC White House in June. Tsarukyan has not competed since submitting Dan Hooker in the second round last November.

White's comments suggest Tsarukyan might need an emphatic stoppage of Ruffy to force the promotion's hand. The 29-year-old's relationship with UFC brass remains complicated after the fallout from the UFC 311 situation in early 2025. Gaethje has already avenged losses to Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira during his title reign.

UFC 331 streams live on Paramount Plus from Los Angeles with Tsarukyan and Ruffy serving as the co-main event.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Dana White won’t commit to Arman title shot — even with a Mauricio Ruffy win at UFC 331
• BJPenn — Dana White won’t commit to title shot for Arman Tsarukyan if he defeats Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331