Chandler Predicts Ruffy Upset Over Tsarukyan At UFC 331

Michael Chandler expects Mauricio Ruffy to upset Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 this Saturday in Los Angeles.

The lightweight bout serves as the co-main event beneath the Joshua Van-Alexandre Pantoja flyweight title rematch. Tsarukyan enters as the division's top contender looking to secure another title shot, while Ruffy has torn through recent opposition including Rafael Fiziev and Chandler himself. The winner will likely face reigning lightweight champion Justin Gaethje next.

Chandler Sees Momentum Shift In Ruffy's Favor

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler acknowledged Tsarukyan has the blueprint to win but questioned the execution. "Arman is one of those guys where he's good, stays busy, putting himself out there...he has a very, very good recipe to beat Mauricio Ruffy for sure. But can he implement that game plan? I think Ruffy catches him with a couple of big shots," Chandler said, per BJPENN.com.

Most observers expect Tsarukyan to lean heavily on his wrestling against Ruffy, widely considered one of the most dangerous strikers at 155 pounds. Chandler tried that approach himself and fell short. "Arman is obviously going to go for the takedown, because he's not going to stand with Ruffy. Going to put the pressure on him, but I wasn't able to do that...but I think Ruffy has some momentum on his side and Arman's got some ring rust."

Chandler closed with a direct endorsement of the Brazilian. "Mauricio Ruffy is good, and I think he's better than a lot of people think he is. So I've got Ruffy in that one."

UFC 331 takes place Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Mauricio Ruffy’s toughest rival predicts win over Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331