Mauricio Ruffy says he is not focused on what Arman Tsarukyan brings, as UFC 331 co-main looms

Mauricio Ruffy is treating his UFC 331 co-main event with Arman Tsarukyan as a challenge defined by action, not by preparation for a single opponent persona. The Brazilian lightweight, listed as the No. 7 contender in the division, is scheduled to fight the No. 2-ranked Tsarukyan in Los Angeles on Sept. 19, with the stakes framed as immediate relevance toward a title picture rather than a longer detour.

In a recent interview reported by Yahoo Sports, Ruffy indicated he is “not worried” about what Tsarukyan brings to the table, positioning the fight around what he can execute instead. That stance matters in a matchup between two of the division’s highest-ranked names, where a clear path to the belt typically runs through decisive wins at this level. For Ruffy, the opportunity is straightforward: a victory would put him squarely into the conversation for a lightweight championship shot, according to the reporting.

The rankings set the tone. With Tsarukyan placed at No. 2 and Ruffy at No. 7, the bout functions as a high-leverage sorting mechanism for the division’s hierarchy. In practical terms, the question is whether the No. 7 contender can break into the top tier by proving he can solve the No. 2 contender, or whether Tsarukyan’s status reflects a more complete skill set that continues to move him toward the next title opportunity.

Ruffy’s comments also highlight how fighters manage uncertainty before a marquee fight. Rather than centering his mindset on a single perceived strength or style trait attributed to Tsarukyan, Ruffy is indicating that he expects the match to be judged on his own approach. In the lightweight division, where wrestling entries, strike timing, and positional control often decide rounds, that mental focus can translate into a game plan built for consistency rather than reaction.

Tsarukyan, meanwhile, arrives as the more direct threat to Ruffy’s ascent. Being ranked No. 2 means the fight is not only about winning, but also about asserting dominance in a way that keeps championship momentum intact. If Tsarukyan controls the narrative on Sept. 19, he likely strengthens his case to remain close to the title, while a Ruffy win would force a reshuffling of how quickly the UFC’s next contenders should be considered for a championship-level matchup.

The timing also adds pressure. UFC 331 is positioned as a major event on the calendar, and co-main slots are typically reserved for bouts that can justify major matchmaking decisions afterward. For Ruffy, the title-shot framing creates a narrow margin for error, because impressive but incomplete results usually lead to more time. For viewers, the key is watching whether Ruffy’s “not worried” approach looks disciplined in the cage, especially in the early stages where opponents often test range, takedown availability, and defensive habits.