Current UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski weighed in on why he thinks Mauricio Ruffy was defeated by Arman Tsarukyan. At UFC 331 last month, Tsarukyan delivered a knockout blow to Ruffy in the closing seconds of the first round of their five-round lightweight bout.
Although Ruffy effectively defended against Tsarukyan’s takedowns and even caused damage to Tsarukyan’s eye, he made a critical mistake in the clinch. This lapse allowed Tsarukyan, nicknamed “Batman,” to land a powerful elbow that knocked Ruffy unconscious, sending him to the mat.
Volkanovski, who trains alongside Ruffy, suggested that the Brazilian might have benefited from additional training camps before facing such a tough opponent. Despite the short preparation time, Ruffy was reportedly progressing quickly, with his techniques and fight IQ improving significantly. During a conversation with Demetrious Johnson and Israel Adesanya, Volkanovski said, “I would have loved to have a few more camps before an Arman. When we heard about the short-notice fight, I was like, ‘I’d rather have a few more camps,’ but Ruffy has obviously taken it all in really well.”
Volkanovski also disclosed that both he and Ruffy believed the Brazilian had a solid chance to knock out Tsarukyan in the second round. Ruffy was even telling himself the same during the fight, according to “The Great.” Unfortunately, Tsarukyan’s knockout came too early, ending the fight before the second round began. Reflecting on the fight’s final moments, Volkanovski told Johnson and Adesanya, “In the last 30 seconds of the first round, I was thinking in the second round, although I know Arman is fit… I was thinking the second round it’s gonna happen. I did talk to Ruffy. Ruffy was saying the same thing… He was even saying to himself. Second round, I am knocking him out.”
Fan Take: This insight from Volkanovski highlights how crucial timing and preparation are in MMA, especially when stepping into high-stakes matchups on short notice. For fans, it underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport and sets the stage for exciting rivalries as fighters continue to push their limits and evolve.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
