The UFC lightweight division is heating up ahead of UFC 331, and no one is more confident than the division’s number-two contender, Arman "Batman" Tsarukyan. Set to face rising star Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event on September 19 in Los Angeles, Tsarukyan has already mapped out his opponent's downfall.
During a recent appearance on stream with N3on, the Armenian contender did not hold back when asked how he sees the high-stakes lightweight clash ending.
Inside Tsarukyan's Bold Prediction
Tsarukyan has a highly specific visualization of how his fight with the #7-ranked Ruffy will unfold.
"Third-round TKO. Elbows," Tsarukyan stated plainly.
This clinical forecast shows the confidence level of a elite fighter who believes he is just one step away from UFC gold. Rather than predicting a quick, reckless blowout, the 29-year-old is preparing for a tactical battle that ends in a dominant, ground-and-pound stoppage late in the fight.
The Road to the Lightweight Title
For Tsarukyan, UFC 331 is a vital stepping stone toward his ultimate goal: a shot at the undisputed lightweight championship, currently held by Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan's momentum in the octagon is undeniable, especially coming off a dominant submission victory over Dan Hooker.
While Tsarukyan recently stayed active outside the cage by participating in high-profile grappling matches—including a hard-fought matchup against former interim champion Colby Covington at RAF 11—his focus remains locked on MMA. A victory over Ruffy would solidify his position as the mandatory challenger for the 155-pound strap.
Why the Matchup Favors 'Batman'
While Mauricio Ruffy is a highly dangerous striker, analysts and fans are pointing to a major stylistic advantage for Tsarukyan. Ruffy’s defensive grappling was previously put to the test against Benoît Saint Denis, exposing defensive gaps that a world-class wrestler like Tsarukyan is primed to exploit.
If Ruffy struggled to defend the takedown threat of Saint Denis, surviving Tsarukyan’s smothering top control over fifteen minutes will be a monumental task. Tsarukyan's prediction of a third-round finish suggests he plans to systematically wear Ruffy down on the canvas before delivering the finishing elbows.
