Tsarukyan Confirms Title Shot After Ruffy Win

Arman Tsarukyan says the UFC has guaranteed him a lightweight title shot with a victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331.

The Armenian contender told the Deep Waters podcast that he originally agreed to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch and had already started camp when the promotion informed him of a change. According to Sherdog, Oliveira withdrew following the death of teammate Allan Nascimento, prompting the UFC to slot in Ruffy as a replacement.

What UFC Promised Tsarukyan For Taking Ruffy Fight

Tsarukyan said he accepted the new matchup because he was already deep in training and needed a fight this year. "I said yes, versus Oliveira. I said yes and then I started my training camp in Armenia," he said, per the podcast. "And then Oliveira's friend died and then they said, we're looking for the new one. Then Ruffy came up and I said, yeah. Because already in the camp and I need one fight, because this year I haven't fought, so I said, it's a good fight for me, so I took that fight."

The 28-year-old then confirmed the promotion made him a firm commitment for his next bout. "After this, for sure I'm fighting for the title," he added.

Tsarukyan previously suggested Oliveira used the tragedy as an excuse to pull out. The co-main event goes down Sept. 13 with Islam Makhachev defending the 155-pound strap in the headliner.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Arman Tsarukyan: UFC guaranteed title shot with win over Mauricio Ruffy