Arman Tsarukyan Deserves a Title Shot After UFC 331 Victory

Daniel Cormier Advocates for Arman Tsarukyan's Title Opportunity

In the world of mixed martial arts, few voices carry as much weight as that of Daniel Cormier. Recently, the former two-division champion made a compelling case for Arman Tsarukyan, suggesting that a victory against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 could cement Tsarukyan's status as a top contender for the UFC lightweight championship. This pivotal matchup is set to take place on September 19, 2023, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, and promises to be a turning point in the lightweight division.

UFC 331: A Crucial Fight for the Lightweight Division

The anticipation surrounding UFC 331 has been building, especially with Arman Tsarukyan taking center stage in the co-main event. Initially, Tsarukyan was rumored to face Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, in a rematch that fans were eager to see. However, that matchup fell through, making way for Tsarukyan's encounter with Ruffy, who is no stranger to the octagon. Despite Ruffy's impressive performance in previous bouts, he lacks the name recognition of Oliveira, which adds a layer of complexity to Tsarukyan's quest for a title shot.

With current champion Justin Gaethje taking a hiatus due to tough battles against rising stars Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, the lightweight division is ripe for new contenders. While UFC President Dana White has not explicitly stated that the Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy fight will serve as a title eliminator, the implications are clear. A decisive win for Tsarukyan could very well position him as the next challenger for the coveted 155-pound title.

Cormier's Insights on Tsarukyan's Journey

In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, Cormier elaborated on why Tsarukyan's willingness to accept the fight against Ruffy is a testament to his determination. "Arman told me he wanted to fight Oliveira, and that was the plan. Now he’s facing Ruffy, which is a risky matchup but one that could enhance his standing in the division," Cormier explained. He emphasized the importance of Tsarukyan's decision to compete against Ruffy, noting that it demonstrates his readiness to take on any challenge in pursuit of a title opportunity.

Cormier also highlighted the unfortunate circumstances that led to the cancellation of the Oliveira matchup. The tragic passing of Oliveira’s teammate, Allan Nascimento, was a significant factor, and Cormier expressed regret that fans will miss out on that electrifying rematch. However, he remained optimistic about the Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy fight, stating, "This will be an incredible clash, and Los Angeles has a reputation for hosting thrilling bouts."

What Lies Ahead for Tsarukyan

As UFC 331 approaches, all eyes will be on Arman Tsarukyan and his performance against Mauricio Ruffy. Should Tsarukyan secure a victory, the lightweight landscape could shift dramatically, propelling him into title contention. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Tsarukyan can capitalize on this opportunity and solidify his status as a top contender in the UFC lightweight division.

In conclusion, the outcome of this fight holds significant implications not only for Tsarukyan's career but also for the future of the lightweight title picture. With a decisive win, Arman Tsarukyan could very well find himself challenging for the championship sooner rather than later, making UFC 331 a must-watch event for fight fans everywhere.