Dana White reveals the real reason for the fight between Mauricio Ruffy and Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331.

Dana at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Dana White, it seems, had to improvise to save UFC 331, scheduled for September 18th. With Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja already slated for the main event, the organization's president resorted to an explosive matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy to warm up the event before the flyweight title fight (up to 56,7 kg). However, the initial plan for the card was different.

During a live stream with influencer Nina Drama, Dana White revealed that Tsarukyan had a previously scheduled opponent, but the original opponent ended up withdrawing from the fight, forcing last-minute changes to the event's schedule.

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"The original opponent withdrew," said Dana White.

Rumors indicate that Charles Oliveira was initially scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan in the co-main event of UFC 331. The fight, which was not for a title, was to be contested over five rounds and was considered one of the main attractions of the event.

Although the UFC has not officially confirmed the information, the Brazilian's withdrawal from the potential fight coincides with a delicate moment in his personal life. Recently, Charles faced grief over the loss of Allan Puro Osso , his training partner at the Chute Boxe Diego Lima gym, which may have influenced his decision not to proceed with the fight.

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