Ferguson Taught Tsarukyan Elbow That Flatlined Ruffy

Tony Ferguson says he taught Arman Tsarukyan the finishing elbow that stopped Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 last weekend in Los Angeles.

Tsarukyan was having a tough first round against the Brazilian contender when he landed a corner elbow that sent Ruffy crashing to the canvas. Ferguson told Fred Talks Fighting the technique came from their training sessions in Thailand during their Hype Fighting days. "You saw Arman Tsarukyan with that elbow in the corner, right? I remember showing Arman that elbow over in Thailand," Ferguson said, per MMA Mania.

Ferguson's Philosophy On Sharing Knowledge

The former UFC interim lightweight champion credited a training partner at Reign Training Center for originally teaching him the strike. Ferguson emphasized his approach to coaching involves lifting other fighters up rather than hoarding techniques. "Being a good neighbor goes very far if you're willing to be that person," he said. "Being able to push people to that next level and not being selfish. You just keep pulling people up."

Ferguson, 42, defends his Misfits middleweight title against Mahmoud Sebie this weekend in Miami as part of the Cejudo vs. Walton card on DAZN. Tsarukyan is expected to challenge for the UFC lightweight championship in early 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Tony Ferguson taught Arman how to throw killer elbow that knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331