Ruffy On Tsarukyan Loss: 'My Fault, My Carelessness'

Mauricio Ruffy has taken full responsibility for his knockout loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 earlier this month.

Ruffy, who was stopped with seconds remaining in the first round of what was billed as a lightweight title eliminator, posted a lengthy video statement Wednesday addressing the finish. "The mistake was totally mine," he said, per MMA Fighting. "It was my fault, my carelessness, and his merit."

Ruffy Felt He Was Winning Before Late Finish

The Brazilian said he felt in control after dropping Tsarukyan with an elbow and believed the former title challenger was fading. When his corner yelled that ten seconds remained and Tsarukyan shot for his legs, Ruffy saw an opportunity to drain more energy before what he expected to be a second-round finish. "I just got careless. I relaxed on defense, which I normally don't do. So I paid the price for that."

Ruffy took the bout on six weeks and four days notice, stepping in as a replacement for the co-main event slot. He said the short camp left his body worn down but that he felt confident and wanted to prove he could handle every situation in the cage rather than hunt an early knockout.

The loss is Ruffy's second in the UFC after a decision defeat to Benoit Saint Denis last September. He had won two straight heading into the Tsarukyan fight and remains one of the division's more intriguing prospects despite the setback.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Mauricio Ruffy issues first statement since knockout loss to Arman Tsarukyan: ‘It was my fault, my carelessness’