Barboza On UFC 331's Ruffy: 'Improved Version Of Me'

Edson Barboza sees plenty of himself in Mauricio Ruffy and calls the surging Brazilian an improved version of his own fighting style.

The recently retired lightweight told Sherdog in an exclusive interview that Ruffy ranks among his favorite active fighters. Ruffy faces Arman Tsarukyan in the co-main event at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles, and Barboza broke down the striker-grappler clash after training alongside Tsarukyan at American Top Team.

Barboza Compares Ruffy To Anderson Silva

Barboza drew a parallel between Ruffy and UFC legend Anderson Silva, pointing to the Brazilian's finishing instincts. "Ruffy is one of my favorite fighters right now," Barboza said, per Sherdog. "He's extremely creative and skilled, and he reminds me of Anderson Silva. He just needs one opportunity to finish a fight. I'd say he's the improved version of me."

Barboza acknowledged Tsarukyan's relentless grappling, comparing the Armenian to Khabib Nurmagomedov, whom Barboza faced in 2017. He said Tsarukyan will shoot takedowns repeatedly until one lands, though he noted differences between the two Dagestani-trained fighters. Nurmagomedov controlled position and stayed ahead of opponents but rarely hunted submissions, Barboza said, while Tsarukyan constantly advances and looks for the finish.

Barboza closed by hyping the stylistic clash. Ruffy only needs one opening to end the fight, he said, making it a can't-miss matchup between a striker and a grappler.

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• Sherdog — Edson Barboza calls UFC 331 star an ‘improved version of me’