Tsarukyan's coach dismisses arrogance and praises Ruffy ahead of UFC 331: 'Better than Gaethje'

Maurício Ruffy will face King Green at UFC 313. Photo: UFC Reproduction

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Arman Tsarukyan is widely considered the favorite to defeat Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 , scheduled for this Saturday (19). Despite the Armenian's favoritism, his coach, Marcos Parrumpa, made a point of dismissing any possibility of arrogance before the fight.

During an appearance on the 'Overdogs Brasil' podcast, Parrumpa stated that he does not accept his athletes underestimating their opponents or being influenced by the favoritism indicated by fans and the press. According to the coach, his job involves precisely preventing fighters from entering a fight believing they will have an easy victory.

"Nego is making fun of Ruffy for nothing, brother. Brother, pay attention to one thing: Under no circumstances do I allow the athletes I train to be arrogant, influenced by the media, by fans, by anyone whatsoever," said Marcos Parrumpa.

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Parrumpa also assessed that Ruffy could represent an even greater challenge for Tsarukyan than Justin Gaethje . In the coach's view, if the Armenian manages to convincingly overcome the Brazilian, he will have a more difficult test than he would have against the American.

“I think Luffy is tougher than Gaethje, and I say that with complete sincerity. I told him, ‘Arman, this is your belt. If you beat Luffy well, then fighting Gaethje will be an easier fight for you,’” the coach concluded.

Mauricio Ruffy and Arman Tsarukyan face each other at UFC 331

The highly anticipated duel between Mauricio Ruffy and Arman Tsarukyan , scheduled for UFC 331 , pits two completely opposite approaches against each other in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). On one side, the efficiency and versatility on his feet of the Brazilian against the strong grappling and wrestling pressure of the division's number one.

Ruffy relies on his high striking accuracy and knockout record, with 13 knockout victories in his career and an average of 4.19 significant strikes per minute, while Tsarukyan counters with a solid average of 3.26 takedowns per fight and his greater experience facing the division's elite.

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