Ariel Helwani Thinks Ilia Topuria’s Re-Emergence May Prevent Arman Tsarukyan From Getting a Title Shot After UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan will fight this weekend, but Ilia Topuria has captured everyone's attention with his viral tweet.

Ariel Helwani Thinks Ilia Topuria’s Re-Emergence May Prevent Arman Tsarukyan From Getting a Title Shot After UFC 331

Ilia Topuria may get the title shot next leaving Arman Tsarukyan in limbo (Image via Instagram/Reddit)

Ilia Topuria coming back to public limelight has taken social media by storm. The Georgian-Spanish fighter’s recent tweet garnered more than 129K likes on X. However, this weekend’s spotlight falls on Arman Tsarukyan preparing to face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331.

The timing of Topuria’s tweet sparked a theory from veteran journalist, Ariel Helwani. Tsarukyan remains out of the lightweight title picture due to his controversial nature.

Headbutting Dan Hooker before UFC Qatar, attacking a fan at UFC 300, and pulling out of UFC 311 may have rubbed Dana White the wrong way.

The promotion had internal conversations about ‘El Matador’ rematching Justin Gaethje for the title. Topuria’s recent tweet targeted Gaethje, which hyped up a future rematch between the duo.

Helwani felt that Topuria warning Gaethe before UFC 331 was a massive shadow cast over the co-main event bout between Tsarukyan vs Ruffy.

Quite the change in tone from Ilia here. I have to say, it’s nice to have him back. And what a time for him to reemerge, just days before Arman x Ruffy. It’s safe to say that, even with a win on Saturday, Arman still may not get a title shot. It’s all going to get interesting.

Ariel Helwani via X

Earlier, Ruffy claimed that he could get the title shot with a win over Tsarukyan at UFC 331 due to taking the fight on short-notice. However, Dana White didn’t feel confident about confirming a title shot for the winner of UFC 331’s co-main event.

At the same time, White admitted that Topuria could face Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett in his return fight. ‘El Matador’ will likely return in the first quarter of 2027. If he gets a title rematch, Tsarukyan’s wait to fight for the title will continue.

Despite not being active in the UFC, Tsarukyan has built up his popularity among the casual fanbase. His collaboration with streamers as well as grappling bouts has boosted his popularity. However, the promotion still won’t trust him to headline major events due to his controversial past.

Ariel Helwani also felt that Tsarukyan could dominate Ruffy from start to finish, and he still won’t get the next title shot. Ruffy is training with Alexander Volkanovski to improve his grappling defense.

Volk expects Ruffy to seriously test Tsarukyan’s striking ability, and even called the Brazilian as the UFC’s best striker.

Facing a dangerous version of Ruffy, and not getting a title shot after defeating him will definitely disappoint Tsarukyan and his camp.

At the moment, all signs point to Arman Tsarukyan having to compete again after UFC 331. Meanwhile, fans can expect Gaethje vs Topuria 2 early next year.

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UFC Hall of Famer predicts Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331

Tsarukyan has not fought since November of last year in the UFC. Meanwhile, Ruffy competed twice this year, and earned TKO stoppages in both outings.

Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy facing off
Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy facing off (Image via Yahoo Sports)

Despite the striking and knockout threat from the Brazilian star, UFC legend Chael Sonnen cannot pick him to defeat Tsarukyan at UFC 331.

During a recent conversation with Ariel Helwani, Sonnen praised Tsarukyan’s attitude to MMA despite coming from a rich background. The Hall of Famer predicted a decision win for the Armenian star.

Arman is going to defeat him… But in a 5-round contest, 25 minutes changes and opens the door to different possibilities… Pressure creates fatigue, but there’s just this thing about Arman: he genuinely enjoys this. He does not get scared in the back. I do think that Arman’s going to win. If you’re asking me to bet, I would say decision.

Chael Sonnen told Ariel Helwani

The stakes are high at UFC 331, and even Tsarukyan knows that. It remains to be seen if Sonnen’s prediction becomes a reality or +260 underdog Ruffy can shock the world this weekend.

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