Highlights! Arman Tsarukyan punches ticket to lightweight title shot after buzzer-beating elbow knockout over Mauricio Ruffy | UFC 331

Dan Hiergesell is an expert voice who serves as MMAmania.com’s weekend editor, covering mixed martial arts (MMA) for more than 15 years, getting featured on programs such as Countdown to UFC and SiriusXM Fight Club, among others.

Arman Tsarukyan staked his claim for the next UFC lightweight title shot last nght (Sat., Sept. 19, 2026) at UFC 331 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., delivering a devastating knockout (elbows) over dangerous contender Mauricio Ruffy with seconds left in the first round.

Tsarukyan, who came into UFC 331’s co-main event as a heavy betting favorite, needed a finish to punch his ticket to his first-ever shot at UFC gold. The talented lightweight has had the skills to contend for a UFC title for a few years now, but he’s been in the UFC’s doghouse too much to earn it. A spectacular finish was needed on Saturday night and that’s exactly what Tsarukyan delivered.

Despite getting dropped early in the first round and having trouble taking Ruffy down, Tsarukyan stayed busy and kept pressing Ruffy against the Octagon cage. After the 10-second notice sounded Tsarukyan looked for a window to separate and land some buzzer-beating offense. The lightweight contender found his opportunity and crashed a perfectly-placed left elbow into Ruffy’s face, which instantly put him out. Ruffy slumped against Tsarukyan as another elbow landed just in time before the referee made his way over.

It was the biggest statement Tsarukyan could have made and arguably his biggest UFC performance to date. Check out the video highlights below:

For complete UFC 331 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.