Arman Tsarukyan says his UFC title-shot chase just got a lot less fuzzy. After weeks of lightweight traffic, opponent switches, and everyone trying to hold their place in line, Tsarukyan says UFC executive Hunter Campbell gave him a direct handshake promise: beat Mauricio Ruffy in Los Angeles, and the next shot is higs.
That is the kind of claim that makes the lightweight division sit up straight. Tsarukyan is already booked against Ruffy, who exploded into the bigger lightweight conversation after his Michael Chandler win, but the question was whether taking another fight would protect Tsarukyan’s spot or turn him into another guy risking everything while the champ waits. According to Tsarukyan, Campbell answered that himself.
Watch the interview clip below:
Tsarukyan Says UFC Promised Him The Next Title Shot
Tsarukyan told Ariel Helwani that Campbell directly promised him the next title fight if he defeats Ruffy. He said the assurance was verbal rather than written, but that the face-to-face meeting made it credible.
I flew there. I talked to him. It’s different when your manager is telling you something that they were told, but when you sit with somebody and shake their hand, then it’s going to be like that.
Tsarukyan said waiting for Justin Gaethje was available, but he preferred to stay active and strengthen his position in Los Angeles.
It was an option, but the best option is to fight, stay active, and especially in L.A. I’ve got to build my name. I know I’m the best, so why shouldn’t I take the fight?
I make good money as well for this fight, so everything is good: money, hype, and a No. 1 contender fight.
When Helwani asked whether it would be his largest UFC purse, Tsarukyan answered directly.
Correct. Only little by little. I can buy new cool glasses after the fight.
Tsarukyan did not believe the same guarantee automatically applied to Ruffy, although he acknowledged how much a win over the No. 1 contender would change Ruffy’s standing.
I don’t think so. I don’t think he can jump like that. Most likely, maybe one more fight. But if he beats me, it’s big for him. That’s why we shouldn’t let him do that, and it’s not going to happen.
The timing is spicy because the lightweight belt scene is still shaking after Gaethje finally grabbed undisputed lightweight gold. Tsarukyan has been trying to make sure nobody slides around him while he waits, and now he says UFC 331 is not just a stay-busy fight. If his read on Campbell’s handshake is right, it is a title eliminator with better branding and a very real downside.
