No. 2 UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan recently took a lighthearted jab at his next opponent, Mauricio Ruffy.

Most recently, the promotion announced that Tsarukyan will lock horns with Ruffy next month in the co-main event of UFC 331.

Yesterday, after the UFC 331 presser, Tsarukyan told Full Send MMA that although Ruffy is a dangerous opponent and he believes their fight will be a “risky” one, many fans close to him don’t recognize Ruffy.

Since the No. 7-ranked 155-pound contender resembles Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, “Ahalkalakets” had to tell fans who do not know Mauricio Ruffy that he is fighting Vozinha at UFC 331. He said:

“Yeah, it’s a risky fight. Not a lot of people know him. When I say I am fighting with Ruffy, they say, ‘who’s Ruffy?’ I say he beat Chandler, Fiziev. People don’t know him, but he is so dangerous. And sometimes I make them laugh by saying Ruffy is Vozinha. He looks like Vozinha. [I would tell people and they would look at me and say he’s a football player and I would say ya I’m fighting with a football player].”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:

Arman Tsarukyan was planning to KO Charles Oliveira at UFC 331

Arman Tsarukyan has confirmed that he was originally going to run it back with BMF champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 331, whom he previously beat by a split decision. However, following the tragic death of Oliveira’s close friend and teammate Allan Nascimento, the 36-year-old withdrew from the fight, after which his fellow Brazilian stepped in.

Tsarukyan told Full Send MMA that he was going to knock out Oliveira this time and was preparing for the same in camp:

“I was supposed to fight Charles Oliveira. I was three weeks into camp, and it was an easier camp because it was mostly striking. I wanted to try and KO him in 3 rounds.”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:

However, now, the Armenian plans to submit knockout artist Ruffy at UFC 331. Yesterday during the presser, “Ahalkalakets” told the 30-year-old:

“Don’t forget how to tap during training as well.”

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.