Tsarukyan vs Ruffy Prediction 20 September 2026
👊 The co-main event of UFC 331 in Los Angeles features a five-round lightweight clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffi. The Russian-Armenian contender steps back into the Octagon for the first time since late 2025. Tsarukyan was originally set to face Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch, but the Brazilian was forced to withdraw due to a personal tragedy. Stepping in on short notice is the dangerous knockout artist Ruffi, who sees this as a golden opportunity to catapult himself into the title picture in just one night. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan aims to prove he truly deserves the next shot at the 155-pound belt.
Arman Tsarukyan Player Overview
29-year-old Arman Tsarukyan enters this bout with an impressive record of 23 wins and just three losses. The former MFP champion and three-time Russian grappling titleholder boasts one of the strongest wrestling pedigrees in the entire UFC lightweight division. Tsarukyan is renowned for his aggressive ground control, punishing ground-and-pound, and his ability to break opponents against the cage. While his striking has improved noticeably, Arman consistently looks to impose his wrestling game plan when facing elite strikers. It’s worth noting that in his most recent UFC appearance, back in November last year, Tsarukyan finished Dan Hooker and extended his winning streak to five fights.
Match Results: Arman Tsarukyan
Mauricio Ruffy Player Overview
Brazilian knockout artist Mauricio Ruffi boasts a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses, having previously captured titles in both Centurion FC and MFC. At the start of 2026, Ruffi made a pivotal career move by joining Alexander Volkanovski’s camp-a decision that paid immediate dividends, as he scored emphatic stoppage victories over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. Ruffi is renowned for his lightning-fast hands, lethal accuracy, and the ability to end a fight with a single clean shot to the chin. However, his most glaring weakness remains his vulnerability to takedowns, as was clearly exposed in his bout against Benoit Saint-Denis.
Match Results: Mauricio Ruffy
⭐ Editor's Pick
The odds for a straight win by the favorite are rather modest, so it makes far more sense to back an early finish in this bout. If Arman finds his rhythm and secures a takedown in the opening minutes, he has the ability to quickly outclass Ruffi on the ground or force a submission. At the same time, Ruffi is at his most dangerous in the early exchanges-when the Brazilian is still fresh, light on his feet, and primed to land a knockout counter. With that in mind, our well-founded prediction for this fight is under 2.5 rounds.