Caio Borralho: Arman Tsarukyan ‘going to get knocked out’ if he tries to strike with Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331

Caio Borralho believes Mauricio Ruffy's striking prowess gives him a significant edge against Arman Tsarukyan in their UFC 331 lightweight co-headline bout in Los Angeles on Saturday, one that could determine the next title contender by 2027.

Tsarukyan, riding a five-fight UFC winning streak capped by recent victories over Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker, has spent recent months competing in wrestling and grappling matches while awaiting his return to the octagon. Ruffy, meanwhile, delivered devastating knockouts of Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler in 2026, establishing himself as a formidable striker with one-punch finishing power.

When asked about the matchup, Borralho told MMA Fighting he sees danger on both sides but warned that Tsarukyan risks getting knocked out if he engages Ruffy in a striking exchange. However, Borralho suggested Tsarukyan could counter Ruffy's momentum by wrestling for the opening rounds, which might wear down the Brazilian and disrupt his rhythm. Overall, Borralho views the bout as a true "50-50 fight" where either man can secure victory.

Borralho drew parallels to another high-stakes matchup: teammate Carlos Prates facing Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title. He noted Makhachev has rarely faced strikers with Prates' leg-kicking power and pain-inflicting ability, while Prates would face Makhachev's elite grappling. Makhachev, now 2-0 at welterweight after recently defending his 170-pound strap against Ian Machado Garry, appeared fatigued in that decision victory—a sign that the weight class adjustment could work against him if Prates maintains composure and avoids early damage. Yet Makhachev's submission skills remain a major threat. Borralho concluded both matchups present high-risk, high-reward scenarios where fatigue, striking precision, and grappling timing will determine the outcome.