Tsarukyan's Coach On Ruffy Vs Topuria Danger

Arman Tsarukyan's coach sees more danger in Mauricio Ruffy's striking than in Ilia Topuria's punching power.

Marcos da Matta told Brazilian podcast Connect Cast that Ruffy brings a wider toolbox to the cage than the current featherweight champion, per Sherdog. The American Top Team coach broke down how Ruffy's arsenal stacks up against Topuria's more focused attack ahead of Tsarukyan's co-main event bout with Ruffy at UFC 331 in Los Angeles on Sept. 19.

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Why Da Matta Rates Ruffy's Striking Higher

Da Matta acknowledged the obvious contrast in styles between grappler Tsarukyan and striker Ruffy before turning his attention to how the Brazilian's variety separates him from other elite strikers. "Ruffy might be the most dangerous and versatile guy in the division," he said. "Topuria is dangerous, but he relies on two or three techniques — like the hook to the body, the overhand right and maybe one or two others. Ruffy has kicks, knees, punches from both sides… He switches stances and throws spinning kicks—he is truly very dangerous."

The assessment comes as Tsarukyan looks to protect his top-five lightweight ranking against a rising threat in Ruffy. Topuria, meanwhile, continues his reign at featherweight after knocking out Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in back-to-back title defenses.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 331 on Ticketmaster →

UFC 331 goes down Sept. 19 with the Tsarukyan-Ruffy clash anchoring the co-main event slot.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Arman Tsarukyan’s coach: Mauricio Ruffy is more dangerous than Ilia Topuria