Chimaev On Tsarukyan's Grappling Edge Over Ruffy

Khamzat Chimaev sees a stark divide between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy in one area.

The two lightweights meet Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Tsarukyan bringing a five-fight win streak and Ruffy riding back-to-back finishes over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. Chimaev told Adam Zubayraev that while Ruffy ranks among the UFC's best strikers, Tsarukyan has the grappling tools to neutralize him if he chooses to use them, per Sherdog.

Chimaev Says Tsarukyan's Wrestling Makes the Difference

"Ruffy's a top fighter, I think he is one of the best strikers in the UFC right now," Chimaev said. "I think if Arman works on both levels, there won't be any problems at all. Arman's wrestling and grappling level and Ruffy's are two completely different levels."

Chimaev trains with Tsarukyan at The Treigning Lab under Sam Calavitta and has cornered him previously. He expects to be cageside again at UFC 331. Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in January 2025 but withdrew from that bout. He has since stopped Dan Hooker to run his streak to five straight.

Ruffy suffered his only UFC loss to Benoit St. Denis last year before rebounding with knockout wins. Chimaev believes Tsarukyan can hold his own in the standup exchanges but said the gap widens dramatically once the fight hits the mat. The winner could move into title contention at 155 pounds.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Khamzat Chimaev sees massive gap in Arman Tsarukyan-Mauricio Ruffy fight