Tsarukyan Knocks Out Ruffy

Arman Tsarukyan delivered a highlight-reel finish at Crypto.com Arena, knocking out Mauricio Ruffy with a pair of elbows late in the first round.

With Ruffy holding recent knockout wins over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler, many expected Tsarukyan to lean on his wrestling, but he found the finish standing instead. Faking a late takedown attempt in the final seconds of the round, Tsarukyan connected with a flush elbow that put Ruffy out instantly, following up with a second on the way down as a formality.

Tsarukyan has now gone unbeaten since 2022 and used his post-fight statement to call for a shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, making a strong case as the division's top contender.