Arman Tsarukyan invents a nickname for Mauricio Luffy and downplays his training with Volkanovski and Adesanya.

Tsarukyan promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

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Despite being extremely active in the 2026 season, Arman Tsarukyan will have his first UFC fight this Saturday (19), in California (USA). In the co-main event of UFC 331 , the Armenian will face Mauricio Ruffy , in a duel that could define the next challenger for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg). Considered the favorite to win the fight, the feared athlete exudes confidence and provokes the Brazilian.

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At the UFC 331 media day , Tsarukyan, who became known as 'Batman' by fans for his affluent lifestyle outside of fighting, innovated by giving his opponent a curious nickname that has nothing to do with what he possesses. It's worth noting that the Brazilian's nickname , Luffy , is a kind of homage to the protagonist of the anime 'One Piece'.

Speaking of the striker, his preparation for the duel took place in Australia, with the participation of the legendary Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya . However, anyone who thinks the Armenian is worried about Ruffy's reinforcements in training and his evolution is mistaken.

“You can’t compare Adesanya to me, nor Volkanovski to me. They are completely different fighters. Yes, he has power and good striking, but I’m better in all areas. So, combining my wrestling and my striking, I can beat him in stand-up fighting. After they started calling me Bruce Wayne, Batman, I watched the movie. I didn’t know who he was, but now I do. The Joker is Luffy,” said the athlete.

Mauricio Ruffy promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

Tsarukyan's history in MMA

Arman Tsarukyan , 29, is one of the best MMA fighters today. The Armenian began his career in the sport in 2015 and debuted in the UFC in 2019. Currently, he is ranked second in the company's lightweight division and dreams of a title fight.

In this sport, 'Ahalkalakets' built a record of 23 wins and three losses. His main victories were over Beneil Dariush , Charles do Bronx , Dan Hooker , and Joel Álvarez.

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