Published 18 days ago
Arman Tsarukyan crushes Mauricio Ruffy in under two rounds, Joshua Van retains his title, and UFC 331 redefines lightweight ambitions
Hidden h2 tag if not homepage
UFC 331 left its mark with two standout fights: Joshua Van retained his title against Alexandre Pantoja, while Arman Tsarukyan obliterated Mauricio Ruffy in under two rounds, establishing himself as the top contender for the lightweight title. This spectacular KO reignites debates about Gable Steveson’s future, eliminated in the first round, and sets the stage for an explosive showdown between Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje.
To remember:
- Arman Tsarukyan lands a historic KO against Mauricio Ruffy in under two rounds, becoming the top contender for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev.
- Joshua Van confirms his dominance by defending his welterweight title against Alexandre Pantoja in the main event.
- Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan will face off for the lightweight title in a fight promised to be explosive.
- Gable Steveson’s early defeat, eliminated in the first round, raises questions about his MMA future after two losses in three fights.
The UFC 331 delivered an intense spectacle, with two fights that redefined the ambitions of the marquee divisions. In the main event, Joshua Van confirmed his supremacy by retaining his welterweight title against Alexandre Pantoja, despite a tough challenge. A performance that solidifies his position among the division’s elite.
But it was Arman Tsarukyan who stole the show with a historic KO against Mauricio Ruffy in under two rounds. This masterstroke, his first since 2021, propels the Russian to the top of the lightweight rankings and positions him as the leading contender for the title held by Islam Makhachev. With an impressive record of 25 wins and only 3 losses, Tsarukyan now stands as a credible threat to the division’s top names.
This unexpected result also reignites speculation about the future of Gable Steveson, who was eliminated in the first round by a less-favored opponent. Two losses in three professional fights raise questions about his ability to adapt to MMA’s elite. A turning point that could accelerate a career shift or, conversely, spark a deep reassessment.
The next chapter promises to be even more explosive: Tsarukyan will face Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title. A clash between two of the UFC’s most feared strikers, destined for a battle of styles and a guaranteed spectacle. Fans are in for a treat!
A Historic KO That Changes the Game
The fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will go down as one of the most memorable of UFC 331. In under 120 seconds, the Russian once again demonstrated his explosiveness and precision, sending his opponent to the canvas with an unstoppable combination. This KO, his first in nearly three years, reminds everyone why Tsarukyan is considered one of the best strikers in the lightweight division.
This result catapults Tsarukyan into the top 3 of the official rankings, behind Islam Makhachev and ahead of names like Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier. A rise that could earn him a title shot as early as 2025, if negotiations go through.
Joshua Van: Confirmation of Dominance
In Tsarukyan’s shadow, Joshua Van delivered a solid performance to retain his title against Alexandre Pantoja. Despite the pressure from an experienced and technical opponent, Van imposed his grappling and clinch game, confirming he is indeed the welterweight king. A victory that places him among the UFC’s most stable champions.
The question now is whether he can unify the division, with names like Leon Edwards or Belal Muhammad waiting in line. One thing is certain: Van has no intention of giving up his belt anytime soon.
UFC 331 confirmed two truths: Joshua Van is the undisputed king of the welterweights, and Arman Tsarukyan is now an undeniable contender for the lightweight title. With a resounding KO and a dominant performance, UFC 331 reshaped the landscape of ambitions, while casting doubt on Gable Steveson’s future. Tsarukyan’s next fight against Gaethje promises to be electric, and fans can already dream of a Makhachev-Tsarukyan showdown in 2025. The lightweight era is shaping up to be more thrilling than ever!