Chimaev backs Tsarukyan to dominate Ruffy with grappling edge at UFC 331

Khamzat Chimaev has thrown his weight behind Arman Tsarukyan ahead of the Armenian lightweight’s pivotal clash with Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, insisting Tsarukyan’s grappling superiority makes him a clear favourite.

Chimaev, a close training partner of Tsarukyan at The Treigning Lab under coach Sam Calavitta, was candid in his assessment. While he rates Ruffy (14-2) among the UFC’s finest strikers, he believes the Brazilian’s ground game cannot match what Tsarukyan (23-3) brings to the mat.

“Ruffy’s a top fighter, I think he is one of the best strikers in the UFC right now,” Chimaev told Adam Zubayraev. “I think if Arman works on both levels, there won’t be any problems at all. Arman’s wrestling and grappling level and Ruffy’s are two completely different levels. Completely different. [Ruffy] is very good on the feet. Arman is very good on the feet. Arman feels very confident on the feet.”

Chimaev is also rumoured to be in Tsarukyan’s corner on fight night — a role the pair have filled for each other previously, reflecting the depth of their friendship outside the gym.

The bout carries significant weight in the lightweight division. Tsarukyan was on the verge of a title shot last year before withdrawing from a scheduled fight against then-champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025. He has since bounced back emphatically, finishing Dan Hooker to extend his winning streak to five consecutive victories.

Ruffy arrives in similarly strong form. The Brazilian has back-to-back finishes over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler since his only UFC defeat — a loss to Benoit St. Denis — and will enter the contest as one of the most dangerous strikers in the 155-pound division.

Chimaev’s verdict is clear: if Tsarukyan imposes his wrestling early and avoids a prolonged stand-up exchange, the path to victory should be straightforward. Whether Ruffy’s power and precision can disrupt that game plan remains the central question heading into one of the most compelling lightweight matchups of the year.