“I think Ruffy wins by TKO” – Fans react to Mauricio Ruffy's latest training video featuring Chuck Liddell shorts

Mauricio Ruffy is set to fight against the No. 2-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan in the co-main event at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. 

Ahead of the highly anticipated bout, Ruffy shared a glimpse of his training camp while sporting shorts inspired by UFC legend Chuck Liddell. This has created buzz online and sparked reactions among MMA fans. 

Mauricio Ruffy Channels Chuck Liddell Ahead of Tsarukyan Showdown

In the training footage, Ruffy can be seen working with his coach inside the gym while wearing a pair of shorts inspired by Liddell. The Brazilian worked on his striking combinations and movement during the session as he continues to sharpen his tools for the upcoming showdown. He shared the video on his Instagram account. 

The training footage was later shared by ‘Home of Fight’ on their X account, quickly went viral, and sparked waves of reactions from the MMA world.

MMA fans React to Mauricio Ruffy's Training Footage

One fan confidently predicted a TKO win for Ruffy, writing, “I think Ruffy wins by TKO.” 

However, others focused on Ruffy's takedown defense and questioned whether his wrestling would be good enough to stop Tsarukyan's elite grappling. One fan wrote, “Chuck Liddell shorts are cool, but can Ruffy actually defend Arman’s takedowns?”

Another fan urged Ruffy to showcase more of his wrestling ahead of the matchup, commenting, “We already know he’s slick on the feet, show the wrestling” 

The skepticism continued, with another fan predicting that Tsarukyan's wrestling could quickly end the fight. He added, “All that just to get taken down and subbed in the 1st round.” 

Ruffy's choice of shorts also became a talking point among fans, with one supporter viewing it as a sign that the Brazilian is bringing an old-school approach to his training camp, writing, “The Chuck Liddell shorts are a bold choice  Ruffy is clearly bringing that old-school knockout energy into this camp.” 

Meanwhile, another fan was more direct about what Ruffy should focus on in his wrestling. He wrote, “He should probably be working on his wrestling.” 

Major Test Awaits Mauricio Ruffy

Ruffy's latest training footage comes as he prepares for one of the toughest challenges of his career. Tsarukyan is widely regarded as one of the best lightweights in the UFC and has built his reputation around his elite wrestling. The Armenian is riding a five-fight winning streak, and in his most recent outing, he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round back in November.

Meanwhile, Ruffy was riding high on confidence as he was undefeated in the UFC. However, he suffered a defeat at the hands of Benoit Saint Denis back in September last year. Since then, he has bounced back with wins over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler, whom he defeated in his most recent fight at the UFC White House.

For Ruffy, this fight is a great opportunity to put himself into title contention. On the other hand, Tsarukyan has already cemented himself as the next contender for a title shot, and a win over the Brazilian would further solidify his case.