He defended it! Mauricio Ruffy argues with Tsarukyan after disrespecting Volkanovski at the UFC 331 press conference

Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy face off tensely at UFC. Photo: Getty Images/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

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The atmosphere became tense between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy at the press conference to promote UFC 331. Held last Thursday (17), in California (USA), the athletes, who will face each other this Saturday (19) in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), argued and thus generated even more expectation for the anticipated encounter. Even without speaking English, the Brazilian did not leave the feared Armenian without an answer.

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Sitting on opposite sides of the press conference, Tsarukyan was taunting from one side, while Ruffy exuded confidence from the other. The problem arose when the UFC's 'Batman' stated that the wrestling skills of the Brazilian and Alexander Volkanovski , the featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg) and his training partner, weren't enough to stop him.

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When his skill level and that of 'The Great' were questioned by the Armenian, the striker asserted that he had improved in the area to the point of surprising him and defended his friend tooth and nail. Luffy's stance was so firm that Tsarukyan chose to remain silent and not prolong the discussion.

Mauricio Ruffy : “I believe that to be a champion, you need to have the belt. That's a fact. Tsarukyan is a great fighter, but he needs the belt to be champion. That's my thinking on the matter. I'll only be the champion of the category when I have the belt.”

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Arman Tsarukyan : "You'll never fight for the belt."

Luffy: "Guys, I don't know where I'll be tomorrow, but I know who brought me here: my Savior, Jesus Christ."

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Tsarukyan: "We need someone to teach Luffy how to wrestle first."

Ruffy: “It’s cool how you want to entertain the fans, but you have to respect Volkanovski. He’s a great champion and I’m sure you’ll all agree with me. I trained very hard. If you have so much confidence in yourself, okay, I also have confidence in the work I’ve done. We’ll see on Saturday who will be the best.”

Tsarukyan: “Nobody said I don’t respect him. I simply said he doesn’t know how to wrestle.”

Ruffy: "After the history he built in the UFC, what he did with Makhachev, you're saying he doesn't have wrestling skills? Okay."