Joe Lopez has seen major improvements in Mauricio
Ruffy’s grappling since the Brazilian joined Alexander
Volkanovski’s team.
Ruffy is preparing for the biggest test of his
Ultimate Fighting Championship career when he faces Arman
Tsarukyan in the co-main event of UFC
331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. Tsarukyan’s wrestling prowess
is a key factor in the matchup, but Lopez believes his fighter has
made significant strides in that area.
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Mauricio Ruffy’s defensive wrestling improves ahead of Arman
Tsarukyan fight at UFC 331
Ruffy made the move from the Brazilian gym
Fighting Nerds after losing to Benoit St.
Denis in September 2025, joining Volkanovski’s team in
Australia. Speaking to Submission Radio, Volkanovski’s head coach
Lopez said Ruffy’s development has been particularly noticeable in
defensive wrestling and his ability to escape dangerous
positions.
“Well, it’s just chalk and cheese,” Lopez said. “You can just see
how he’s improving, you know?”
Ruffy has since earned victories against Rafael
Fiziev and Michael
Chandler, finishing both lightweights. Lopez claims that even
Volkanovski struggles to keep Ruffy down in the gym. He added that
the Brazilian has improved his positioning while defending
takedowns and prioritizes keeping the fight on the feet rather than
chasing submissions.
“For this fight here, that’s one of our specialties is our
defensive wrestling and our scrambles and not accepting the
position,” Lopez added. “Honestly, he’s picking it up. When he
first came, he was still really stuck in his jiu-jitsu type thing
where he attached himself to the person. Now, he’s not. He’s
training his escapes, getting out, putting his body in the right
position, putting his hands in the right position.”