Arman
Tsarukyan’s coach believes Mauricio
Ruffy presents a more dangerous and versatile striking threat
than Ilia
Topuria.
Tsarukyan will look to defend his spot in the lightweight rankings
when he takes on Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC
331 in Los Angeles on Sept. 19. Ahead of the fight, Marcos da
Matta broke down Ruffy’s skillset and how it compares to
Topuria’s.
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Marcos da Matta says Mauricio Ruffy brings more striking
weapons than Ilia Topuria
Speaking to Brazilian YouTube channel Podcast Connect Cast, the
American Top Team coach praised Ruffy’s striking arsenal and
addressed the upcoming lightweight clash.
“Everyone knows Arman’s strengths and Ruffy’s strengths,” Da Matta
said. “Arman’s strengths are grappling, ground-and-pound and jiu
jitsu, while Ruffy is obviously an excellent striker.”
“Parrumpa” then discussed how Ruffy’s variety of strikes makes him
more dangerous than Topuria, who primarily relies on boxing
combinations and leg kicks.
„Ruffy might be the most dangerous and versatile guy in the
division,” he added. “Topuria is dangerous, but he relies on two or
three techniques — like the hook to the body, the overhand right
and maybe one or two others. Ruffy has kicks, knees, punches from
both sides… He switches stances and throws spinning kicks—he is
truly very dangerous.”