Alexander Volkanovski struggles to keep Mauricio Ruffy down, coach says

Mauricio Ruffy has made significant strides in his defensive wrestling since joining Alexander Volkanovski's camp in Australia, according to Volkanovski's head coach Joe Lopez. Ruffy, who moved from Brazil's Fighting Nerds gym following a loss to Benoit St. Denis, has since recorded victories over Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler, finishing both opponents.

Ruffy faces Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 331 co-main event on September 19 in Los Angeles—a crucial test against an opponent known for wrestling prowess. Lopez told Submission Radio that Ruffy's improvement in defensive wrestling and escape positioning has been dramatic, even claiming that Volkanovski himself struggles to keep Ruffy grounded during training. The focus has shifted from purely jiu-jitsu-based grappling to improved body positioning, hand placement, and active scrambles that prevent him from being pinned.

Lopez emphasized that defensive wrestling and scrambling form a cornerstone of Volkanovski's gym philosophy, and Ruffy has absorbed those principles quickly since arriving. Rather than accepting dominant positions or chasing submissions, Ruffy now prioritizes staying on his feet and maintaining offensive momentum. Lopez noted that upon arrival, Ruffy initially remained attached to opponents in typical jiu-jitsu fashion; now he actively trains escapes and maintains proper positioning. This evolution in his wrestling repertoire could prove decisive against Tsarukyan's wrestling attack.