Arman Tsarukyan is Mauricio Ruffy’s ‘worst stylistic matchup,’ coach says

Anderson Franca, a renowned muay thai coach at American Top Team, has outlined why Arman Tsarukyan represents a significant stylistic problem for Mauricio Ruffy ahead of their co-main event clash at UFC 331 on September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Franca, who has previously worked Tsarukyan's corner, told Sherdog that while he won't be in the Armenian's corner for the lightweight bout, he played a key role in devising the game plan. For this specific camp, Tsarukyan brought in Petrosyan, a high-level striker who competed in K-1, to sharpen his striking defense against an opponent Franca considers the division's premier striker.

Ruffy earned his reputation as a "sniper"—a precise, clinical striker who rarely makes mistakes. Tsarukyan, however, possesses attributes that create problems for such opponents. "Arman is the worst stylistic matchup for Ruffy and he also has an extremely high fight IQ," Franca explained. The coach emphasized that Tsarukyan cannot afford lapses against someone of Ruffy's caliber, noting the fighter's renowned athleticism and refusal to give up, which should serve him well in a high-level contest.

Franca offered a prediction of 60–40 in Tsarukyan's favor, reflecting his confidence in how the Armenian's wrestling, pressure, and relentless pace might overwhelm Ruffy's striking-based gameplan. The matchup shapes up as a classic stylistic clash between two approaches to fighting at 155 pounds.