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UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan will compete for a Real American Freestyle title just weeks after his UFC 331 co-headliner.

Arman Tsarukyan will fight rising lightweight Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-headliner next month in Los Angeles. The top UFC lightweight contender, Tsarukyan, will look to secure a long-awaited title shot with a victory.

Tsarukyan’s return to the Octagon has been speculated about for months as the UFC continues to delay the top contender’s shot at the belt. He hasn’t fought since submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year.

During his UFC hiatus, Tsarukyan has made a name for himself on the Real American Freestyle mats, earning wins over Urijah Faber and Tony Ferguson. His first shot at an RAF crossover title fell short against former UFC title challenger Colby Covington in July.

Despite the RAF setback, Tsarukyan will get a second chance to win an RAF belt just weeks after his scheduled UFC 331 co-headliner against Ruffy.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dillon Danis set for RAF title clash

As announced by the promotion on Monday, Tsarukyan will face Dillon Danis (3-0 in MMA) for the middleweight crossover title on October 3rd in Las Vegas.

Danis, who lost to former UFC middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev on the RAF mats in June, is also scheduled to fight Mike Perry in an MMA fight later this month at the inaugural Duel Arena event. He hasn’t fought in MMA since a win over Warren Spencer last year at Misfits 22.

Danis’ RAF title shot comes despite going 0-2 in his promotional tenure. His debut, with Covington, ended in a technical fall in March.

The full RAF 14 card is expected to be announced and finalized in the coming weeks. The event will be broadcast live on Fox Nation.

What is your prediction for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM