Tsarukyan is Ruffy's 'worst stylistic matchup' ahead of UFC 331 co-main event, coach warns

American Top Team Muay Thai coach Anderson França has warned that Arman Tsarukyan represents the worst possible stylistic matchup for Mauricio Ruffy ahead of their lightweight co-main event at UFC 331 on 19 September at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

França, who has previously cornered Tsarukyan but will not be in his corner on fight night, was brought in specifically to help the Armenian study Ruffy’s striking game once the bout was confirmed. Despite rating Ruffy as the finest striker at 155 pounds, he gives Tsarukyan a clear edge on paper.

“As soon as the fight was booked, Parrumpa asked me to help him study Ruffy’s game so I could help him during camp,” França told Sherdog. “Arman has to be extremely focused because you can’t make mistakes against Ruffy. On the other hand, Arman is the worst stylistic matchup for Ruffy and he also has an extremely high fight IQ. I would say this fight is 60-40 in favour of [Tsarukyan].”

França was equally emphatic in his praise for Ruffy, describing the Brazilian as a precision threat that demands total concentration. “Mauricio Ruffy, on the other hand, is a sniper — without a doubt the best striker in the lightweight division,” he said.

To sharpen Tsarukyan’s preparation for that striking threat, the camp brought in specialist sparring. “Arman always trains with me when he has his camp at ATT, but for this particular camp he brought Petrosyan, who is a high-level fighter who competed in K-1,” França explained. “Arman is an athlete who never gives up and is willing to die in the ring.”

The addition of a K-1-level partner signals how seriously Tsarukyan’s team is taking Ruffy’s stand-up, even as França believes the Armenian’s all-round profile — relentless pressure, elite wrestling, and high fight IQ — creates problems the Brazilian has not yet faced at this level.

Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy is scheduled as the co-main event of UFC 331 on 19 September in Los Angeles.