Mauricio Ruffy embraces challenge of facing Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331
The Brazilian lightweight sees his matchup with the elite wrestler as an opportunity to test his evolution inside the Octagon.
Mauricio Ruffy is facing one of the biggest challenges of his UFC career when he takes on Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331. With an elite wrestler standing across from him, the Brazilian lightweight knows exactly what to expect from his opponent. Ruffy, however, sees the matchup as an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and test how much he has evolved as a fighter.
Mauricio Ruffy Embraces Arman Tsarukyan Challenge
Tsarukyan has built his reputation as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the lightweight division, making his grappling a key factor heading into the matchup. The Brazilian says he has spent his training camp preparing specifically for that challenge. Speaking to reporters during UFC 330 fight week in Philadelphia, Ruffy said he believes the matchup can show him how much he has improved outside his striking comfort zone.
"His plan is the same every time I fight, to come grab me and take me down," Ruffy began. "I've been working on this, putting myself out of my comfort zone. I'm here to become a better fighter. I go to the gym to try and get better and evolve, and this fight is an opportunity to show myself, not anyone else or fans, how my dedication has helped me."
Mauricio Ruffy Looking for a Knockout Finish
While Ruffy has focused heavily on preparing for Tsarukyan's grappling, the Brazilian does not intend to abandon the aggressive style that has made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. Although he respects the challenge Tsarukyan presents, Ruffy made it clear that he will still be looking for a knockout.
"I don't want to talk too much. I don't want to underestimate the guy, but I get into the Octagon aiming for a knockout," Ruffy said. "That's what I'm going to look for. There's no deal for me. There's no agreement on this. I get into the Octagon for that. And that's what I want to do. That's what I train for. And I'm going to be looking for the knockout the entire fight."
The matchup will give Ruffy an opportunity to test the improvements he has made against one of the UFC's best grapplers. If he can deal with Tsarukyan's wrestling while maintaining his striking threat, the Brazilian could take another important step forward in the lightweight division.
