Arman Tsarukyan explains why Charles Oliveira is better but Mauricio Ruffy is more dangerous ahead of UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan has brought a significant point regarding his upcoming fight to the fore.

The UFC lightweight star appears to believe that his original opponent for UFC 331, Charles Oliveira, is better than his new opponent, Mauricio Ruffy. 

The Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy lightweight clash is set to be a five-round matchup, which would co-headline UFC 331 in Los Angeles on September 19. 

UFC 331 co-headliner Arman Tsarukyan cites the difference between "better" Charles Oliveira and "dangerous" Mauricio Ruffy

Arman Tsarukyan was initially expected to face former UFC lightweight champion and reigning BMF titlist Charles Oliveira at UFC 331. Their clash was expected to be a non-title matchup, without the Brazilian combatant's BMF belt, but one that could determine the No. 1 contender for the UFC lightweight title that currently belongs to Justin Gaethje. 

It'd have been a rematch, as Tsarukyan previously bested Oliveira by way of split decision at the historic UFC 300 event back in 2024. Unfortunately, Oliveira's Chute Boxe teammate, UFC flyweight fighter Allan Nascimento, passed away on August 3.

The 34-year-old was a close friend of Oliveira, and that was reportedly the reason behind "Do Bronx" withdrawing from his expected rematch against Tsarukyan. The UFC roped in another Brazilian lightweight contender in Mauricio Ruffy to replace him. The Tsarukyan-Ruffy fight is being touted as a No. 1 contender's clash at lightweight. 

During an interview with ex-UFC superstar and MMA fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen for UFC on Paramount, Arman Tsarukyan spoke about the switch of his opponents for UFC 331. 

"Batman" alluded to Ruffy's unorthodox striking and dangerous knockout power, indicating that it makes him a greater danger than Oliveira, albeit he feels the latter is more skilled than Ruffy. 

Tsarukyan stated, "(Charles) Oliveira is more, uh, better than (Mauricio) Ruffy." 

Sonnen chimed in and implied that Tsarukyan views Oliveira as more dangerous than Ruffy. The retired MMA star said, "Dangerous." 

Well, Tsarukyan then suggested that he sees Oliveira as better than Ruffy, but the latter is more dangerous. Tsarukyan said:

"No. Opposite. Ruffy is more dangerous. He (Ruffy) has, like, powerful hands. But, like, Oliveira, he has only grappling. He cannot knock me out. He cannot choke me. So there is no chances to Oliveira beat me." 

Arman Tsarukyan is seeking a swift finish of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan often sets fight fans and other netizens abuzz with his lavish lifestyle. The Armenian-Russian combatant is the son of Nairi Tsarukyan, a wealthy entrepreneur who's known to have made a mark in the real estate industry and other business avenues as well. 

Speaking to Chael Sonnen, Arman Tsarukyan seemed to signal that his father tends to get nervous watching his beloved son in a professional MMA fight. Considering that, Tsarukyan underscored that he's aiming to score a swift stoppage win against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331.

Tsarukyan said, "I don't need 25 minutes. I'm going in there and make job easy. Because my dad, he's at home, and I don't want him to be nervous so long." 

Furthermore, Tsarukyan's next freestyle wrestling match has also been announced. The RAF (Real American Freestyle) wrestling staple will face BJJ savant Dillon Danis for the inaugural RAF middleweight crossover title at RAF 14 in Las Vegas on October 3. 

Watch Arman Tsarukyan address the dichotomy between Charles Oliveira and Mauricio Ruffy, as well as his plans for a quick finish, below (*comments at the 3:20-minute mark of the video):