Tsarukyan Claims Top Lightweight Spot After UFC 331 KO

Arman Tsarukyan sits atop the lightweight division in the eyes of some voters after his knockout win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 last Saturday.

Two panelists on MMA Fighting's Global Rankings placed Tsarukyan at No. 1 at 155 pounds despite Justin Gaethje holding the UFC title, according to the outlet's latest update. The other three voters stayed with the reigning champion. Tsarukyan opened as a heavy favourite in early speculative odds for a potential title shot, MMA Fighting noted.

What Tsarukyan's Rise Means for Lightweight Title Picture

The 27-year-old carries an 11-1 record in his past 12 fights. His finish of Ruffy landed as a Knockout of the Year candidate loud enough that matchmakers should book the Gaethje fight next, the outlet suggested.

Elsewhere in the rankings, Tom Aspinall kept his No. 1 heavyweight spot even after vacating the UFC title. Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit meet for undisputed status at UFC 334 on Nov. 14, but depending on news about Aspinall's return timeline, neither may unseat him before automatic removal hits. Shavkat Rakhmonov fell out of the welterweight top 15 after sitting out more than 18 months with knee trouble. Fatima Kline climbed eight spots to No. 6 at flyweight following decision wins over Tabatha Ricci and Angela Hill, positioning her as a title contender for 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — MMA Divisional Rankings: Arman Tsarukyan makes case for lightweight crown after UFC 331 statement win