Could Arman Tsarukyan's Ego Let Him Down at UFC 331?
Arman Tsarukyan has a clear path to victory at UFC 331, but will he use it or will he try to strike with Mauricio Ruffy?
Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy is one of the most exciting fights on the UFC 331 card. The five-round co-main event will feature an interesting clash of styles and is a classic striker vs grappler match-up.
For Tsarukyan, there is a clear path to victory. Go into the fight and wrestle. Take Ruffy to the ground, smother him and come away with the victory.
The issue is that the Armenian has a huge ego, and it's that ego that could let him down in Los Angeles.
Could the ego of Arman Tsarukyan let him down at UFC 331?
We all know what Tsarukyan needs to do in the UFC 331 co-main event. He should go in there and look to ground Ruffy as quickly as possible.
The Brazilian is one of the most dangerous strikers in the entirety of the UFC. He has legitimate one-shot knockout power, is creative and masters distance like few we've seen previously. Rightfully, Ruffy's range management has been compared to prime Conor McGregor, and when watching him, you can see why.
If Tsarukyan lets his ego get the better of him and stands with Ruffy, it could be a long night for him. Ruffy is the superior striker and will more than likely get the better of the Armenian on the feet.
Tsarukyan has had eight freestyle wrestling matches since his last UFC fight, only losing to Colby Covington. On his record are NCAA Division One wrestlers Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas and Tony Ferguson, to name a few. He's also competed in several submission grappling matches, winning six and drawing once, only to Shara Bullet.
In Ruffy's lone UFC loss, he was out grappled and submitted by Benoit Saint Denis, highlighting a huge hole in his game. With that being said, since moving to train in Australia with Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion has said that Ruffy's grappling game has been improved massively, although it's a big stretch to say that this will be enough to negate Tsarukyan's game.
Overall, Tsarukyan needs to do the logical, sensible thing. Close the distance as soon as he can, push Ruffy up against the fence to negate the kicks and range shots from the Brazilian and work the grappling game. If he's able to do this, it should be an easy night for him. The longer he chooses to keep it on the feet, the more dangerous it is.
