Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio "Ruffy" clash in a high-stakes showdown at UFC 331

At UFC 331, the clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio "Ruffy" could offer a title shot, but Dana White remains vague. An exceptional performance will be crucial to convince the promotion, as only 38% of fights billed as title eliminators in 2025 have led to a title bout.

To remember:

Dana White remains cautious about a potential title opportunity for Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy at UFC 331.
Only 38% of fights billed as title eliminators in 2025 have led to a title bout.
Tsarukyan, unbeaten since 2022, aims for a spectacular performance to win over management.
Ruffy is banking on his explosive style to make an impression and secure a title shot.

The UFC president, Dana White, has chosen to exercise exemplary caution regarding the outcome of the bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio "Ruffy" at UFC 331. Although both fighters have hinted at a potential world title opportunity, White has not confirmed this possibility before the fight. This strategy, often used by the promotion, keeps maximum suspense around key matchups.

UFC statistics for 2025 reveal a harsh reality: only 38% of fights billed as potential title eliminators have actually led to a title bout. A figure that underscores the importance of an exceptional performance tonight. Tsarukyan, unbeaten since 2022 with an impressive record of 24 wins and 3 losses, will need to showcase the full extent of his talent. Meanwhile, Ruffy, with 16 wins in 19 fights, is banking on his explosive style to make an impression and convince management to give him a title shot.

A Stakes Far Greater Than Just a Win

Beyond victory, it’s the perception UFC executives will have of this fight that will be decisive. A spectacular performance could propel one of the two fighters into title contention, while a lackluster showing could relegate this bout to the ranks of forgotten fights. Tsarukyan, with his experience and consistency, holds a slight edge, but Ruffy has no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.

UFC 331 thus looms as a potential turning point for both men. If one of them manages to impress White and his team enough, a title fight could well be on the horizon. But for now, everything remains up in the air...

UFC 331 could well be the springboard to a title fight for Tsarukyan or Ruffy, but it all depends on their ability to convince Dana White and the promotion’s executives. An exceptional performance will be their best asset to turn this bout into a historic opportunity.

Editor's Opinion

By Nakmen

Oh, Dana White’s little cat-and-mouse game before the fight—pure OSS 117 vibes: he pretends not to know, but everyone can see the title is on the line. 38% of promises kept is like Jurassic Park saying "everything’s under control"—we all know it’s going to end in a dumpster fire. Tsarukyan is the veteran who’s survived those 3 losses (okay, fine, some were Fight Pass or no-contests), but Ruffy’s the guy who shows up saying, "I’m here to break everything." If Ruffy explodes like a Smash Bros character in chaos mode, White might just say, "Yeah, sure, why not." Otherwise, Tsarukyan can always fall back on his record of "I handle the guys who underestimate me." But at this point, it’s like waiting for the Stranger Things credits: we know it’s going to be intense, but we’re hoping it’s better than the last episode.

Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen