Coach: Arman Tsarukyan Is Mauricio Ruffy's 'Worst Stylistic Matchup'
American Top Team striking coach Anderson Franca broke down the UFC 331 co-main event between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy, giving Tsarukyan a 60-40 edge.
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Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Ahead of the lightweight showdown, American Top Team muay thai coach Anderson Franca shared his analysis of the matchup in an interview with Sherdog, labeling Tsarukyan the "worst stylistic matchup" for Ruffy.
Franca, who has previously served in Tsarukyan's corner, explained that he was asked by coach Parrumpa to help analyze Ruffy's tendencies as soon as the fight was officially booked. Although Franca will not be in Tsarukyan's corner on fight night, he assisted in formulating the game plan and praised Ruffy as the premier stand-up fighter in the 155-pound division.
"Mauricio Ruffy, on the other hand, is a sniper, without a doubt the best striker in the lightweight division," Franca told Sherdog. "Arman has to be extremely focused because you can’t make mistakes against Ruffy. On the other hand, Arman is the worst stylistic matchup for Ruffy and he also has an extremely high fight IQ. I would say this fight is 60-40 in favor of [Tsarukyan]."
Franca also noted that Tsarukyan made specific adjustments and brought in targeted preparation during his camp at ATT. Praising Tsarukyan's relentless mindset, Franca described the contender as an athlete with immense drive who never gives up inside the ring.
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