Ruffy promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Marcos Parrumpinha demonstrated full awareness of the challenges his pupil, Arman Tsarukyan , will face at UFC 331, scheduled for September 18th. Scheduled for the co-main event, the Armenian will face Mauricio Ruffy in a matchup that the coach describes as a simple classic duel between striker and grappler. Even so, the head coach of American Top Team acknowledges that his opponent could be the most dangerous in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).
In an interview with 'ConnectCast', Parrumpinha detailed the characteristics of the two athletes, highlighting grappling as Tsarukyan's main weapon. On the other hand, he emphasized Ruffy's high level of striking, pointing to his versatility and variety of strikes as important differentiating factors.
"Everyone knows Arman's strengths and Ruffy's strengths. Arman's strengths are wrestling, ground and pound, Jiu-Jitsu, and grappling, and Ruffy, obviously, is an excellent striker," said Parrumpinha.
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The coach compared his rival to former champion Ilia Topuria and stated that Ruffy stands out for his ability to vary his strikes, making him one of the most complete threats in the division.
"Perhaps (Luffy) is the most dangerous and versatile guy in the category. Topuria is dangerous but he only has two or three moves... Luffy has kicks, knees, punches from one side, from the other, throws from both stances, spinning kicks, he's a very dangerous fighter," concluded the coach.
Arman Tsarukyan is experiencing 'oblivion' in the UFC.
Arman Tsarukyan is ranked second in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Arman Tsarukyan 's career took a significant turn after the Armenian fighter withdrew from his fight against Islam Makhachev with just one day's notice. Scheduled for the main event of UFC 311 , the American Top Team athlete claimed injury during his weigh-in preparation and was replaced by Renato Moicano for the event held in January 2025. Since then, he has faced a period of declining prominence in the organization.
Despite being ranked at the top of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Tsarukyan saw the division advance without his presence in the most important fights. With Makhachev's move up to welterweight (up to 77 kg), the scenario seemed favorable, but the Armenian ended up out of the title fight at UFC 317 , when Ilia Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira and won the title.
Tsarukyan returned to the octagon in December 2025 and defeated Dan Hooker by submission, but the result was not enough to put him back on the path to the title. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje gained ground, winning the interim title against Paddy Pimblett and later unifying the belt by defeating Topuria.
Now, with a scheduled duel against Mauricio Ruffy , Arman Tsarukyan hopes that a victory over the Brazilian could put him on a collision course with champion Justin Gaethje.
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