Arman Tsarukyan Knocks Out Mauricio Ruffy in First Round at UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan improved to 24-3 by stopping Mauricio Ruffy with elbows at the 4:56 mark of the first round at UFC 331.

Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy via knockout at 4:56 of the first round during the UFC 331 co-main event in Los Angeles on Saturday. The finishing sequence began with a left elbow to the face out of a clinch, followed by a right elbow that landed as Ruffy fell to the canvas. Referee Jason Herzog waved off the bout just four seconds before the opening round concluded, marking Tsarukyan’s sixth consecutive victory.

ESPN reports that Tsarukyan (24-3) utilized wrestling midway through the frame to trap Ruffy (14-3) against the cage. While the Brazilian defender successfully fended off all but one takedown attempt, he absorbed a decisive strike while pinned against the fence. Tsarukyan sustained a large bruise under his left eye early in the match after Ruffy landed a hard right hand, yet the Armenian fighter remained patient until finding the finish.

The victory positions Tsarukyan for a potential championship opportunity after he was previously passed over for title fights in 2025. Following an injury withdrawal in January 2025, Tsarukyan saw Islam Makhachev vacate the 155-pound belt and Ilia Topuria participate in an interim title booking while he held the No. 1 ranking. Immediately after the stoppage, Tsarukyan climbed the cage to shake hands with UFC president and CEO Dana White and signaled for a championship belt.