Published 20 days ago
A heated debate erupts after the Armenian fighter’s knockout win, despite doubts over his grappling
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UFC 331 saw a spectacular KO by Arman Tsarukyan over Mauricio Ruffy, but Paddy Pimblett’s grappling critiques have reignited the debate. Despite five straight wins, Tsarukyan’s style remains controversial.
To remember:
- Arman Tsarukyan wins by KO in the 1st round at UFC 331 against Mauricio Ruffy.
- Paddy Pimblett criticizes Tsarukyan’s style, pointing out weaknesses in wrestling despite his wins.
- Tsarukyan secures his 5th consecutive victory and remains No. 2 in the lightweight rankings.
UFC 331 in Los Angeles delivered an intense show with a first-round KO by Arman Tsarukyan over Mauricio Ruffy. Yet, despite the spectacular finish, the performance sparked fierce debate. Paddy Pimblett, known for sharing his analysis on his YouTube channel, didn’t hesitate to highlight Tsarukyan’s grappling weaknesses, an area where the Armenian fighter claims to be strong.
According to Pimblett, despite the decisive KO, Tsarukyan showed a lack of fluidity and a disjointed approach in his combinations before the finishing blow. A critique that contrasts with Tsarukyan’s impressive streak of five consecutive wins, including a memorable victory over Charles Oliveira. Currently No. 2 in the lightweight rankings, the Armenian fighter remains in the spotlight, not just for his performances but also for the questions they raise about his overall technique.
This KO, though spectacular, has reignited discussions about Tsarukyan’s technical solidity in an ultra-competitive division. While some praise his ability to string together wins, others, like Pimblett, point out the limitations of his ground game. A controversy that promises to fuel debates ahead of his next challenge, in a category where every detail matters.
Between admiration for his KO and criticism of his grappling, Arman Tsarukyan continues to divide opinion. One thing is certain: in the lightweight arena, every win—even a contested one—counts double.

