A title shot is on the line for Mauricio Ruffy as well at UFC 331.
Ruffy (14-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) meets top contender Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) in a five-round co-main event on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Tsarukyan has long been considered the rightful No. 1 contender, whereas Ruffy has a big opportunity to knock him off his position. Ruffy scored two-straight knockouts of Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler, and aims to leapfrog other contenders by beating Tsarukyan – at least that's what he's been told.
"That's the agreement with the UFC," Ruffy told Fox Sports Australia through an interpreter. "That's the last step to make. Let's make it happen."
Tsarukyan is a big favorite over Ruffy, and the Brazilian is aware of how good
he is. However, after moving camps to train with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, Ruffy feels he has bridged the gap to compete with the division's elite.
"He's a very complete fighter – very good in every area," Ruffy said of Tsarukyan. "But I believe in myself, believe in my skills, and I believe in what I'm going to do – and that's what I care about."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Mauricio Ruffy reveals agreement with UFC for title shot with Arman Tsarukyan win
