Colby Covington Predicts Early Stoppage for Arman Tsarukyan Over Mauricio Ruffy

Former interim UFC Welterweight Champion Colby Covington rarely gives glowing endorsements to fellow fighters, but when it comes to top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, "Chaos" is making a bold prediction. Ahead of Tsarukyan’s co-main event clash against dangerous Brazilian knockout artist Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, Covington expects the Armenian star to deliver a statement performance inside the Octagon.

Covington’s perspective comes with firsthand experience. The 38-year-old veteran, who holds a 17-5 professional MMA record, previously shared the mat with Tsarukyan in a high-profile Real American Freestyle wrestling match. Covington earned the victory on the mat, but rather than writing off his former opponent, he believes that defeat served as a crucial turning point for Tsarukyan's growth.

From Wrestling Lesson to Title Shot

Speaking on the upcoming lightweight matchup, Covington explained that their wrestling encounter provided the No. 2-ranked contender with a valuable reality check before stepping back into mixed martial arts competition.

"I’m glad I could teach Arman a little bit about being humble, and I think he got humbled and trained harder," Covington said. "I think he’s going to finish Ruffy. I don’t think Ruffy will make it more than two or three rounds, and Arman will be next for the title shot."

Tsarukyan enters Los Angeles carrying a dominant 23-3 professional MMA record, with his suffocating chain-wrestling and relentless pace posing a nightmare matchup for anyone in the 155-pound division. While Ruffy brings explosive striking power and an impressive 14-2 record into the cage, taking on an elite, re-energized contender like Tsarukyan represents a massive step up in competition.

If Covington's forecast proves accurate and Tsarukyan dispatches Ruffy within three rounds, UFC matchmakers will have little choice but to lock in the Armenian powerhouse for the next lightweight championship opportunity.