Trending:Mike Perry speaks out after suffering injury during upset loss to Brandon Jenkins: “Health is wealth”Zuffa LLC
Dana White is making no promises before he sees how Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC 331 co-headliner against Mauricio Ruffy transpires.
Tsarukyan was believed to be preparing for a rematch with BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira, but he was booked to meet Ruffy in Los Angeles on Sept. 19. “Batman’s” team told Ariel Helwani that a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje has been guaranteed with a win. It appears White is pumping the brakes before the fight actually happens.
In a sitdown interview with Sports Central LA, the UFC boss didn’t commit to guaranteeing “Batman” a title opportunity if he defeats Ruffy.
🚨 Dana White was hesitant to call Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy a #1 contender fight 🤔
“I hate to say that until the fight is over… Arman says a lot of things. Listen, let’s see how this fight plays out.”
(via @SportsCentralLA)pic.twitter.com/bOPLYyEplc
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 4, 2026
“I hate to say that until the fight is over,” White said.
When host Chris Hayre pointed out that Tsarukyan himself mentioned the No. 1 contender status, White laughed it off.
“Arman and I have had a nice little run here,” White joked. “Listen, let’s see how this fight plays out.”
Tsarukyan might have to pull off an emphatic finish just to seal the deal. “Batman” submitted Dan Hooker in the second round during his most recent MMA bout back in Nov. 2025. If he can have similar success against Ruffy, it would be hard to deny that he should be Gaethje’s next challenger.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has said he feels Tsarukyan boosted his stock within the UFC brass for taking the fight against Ruffy. Whether or not Tsarukyan will be rewarded if he pulls off a highlight worthy performance remains to be seen. Some believe Ruffy does pose a threat thanks to his dangerous standup game. Many expect Tsarukyan to take this one to the ground, but he might feel added pressure to finish the fight.
Do you think Arman Tsarukyan needs to stop Mauricio Ruffy in impressive fashion at UFC 331 to get a lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM