Maurício Ruffy in victory against Michael Chandler at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
One of the great prospects in all of MMA, Mauricio Ruffy had a great night of performance when he knocked out Michael Chandler in the first round during UFC Casa Branca , in a fight valid for the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg). At 40 years old, the American hasn't known what it's like to win since 2022, and for that reason he has been the target of criticism from several athletes. Arman Tsarukyan, for example, made it clear in an interview with the 'MMA Junkie' website this Wednesday (17) that he doesn't see a favorable future for the veteran.
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Despite praising the American's physical condition, known for his dedication to training and diet, the Armenian said he believes Chandler has been competing for too long, to the point where he is no longer able to share the octagon with the best fighters in the world.
“How could they let Michael Chandler fight? Please, cut him. Just fire him. Tell the UFC they have to fire him. Yes, because he’s losing all his fights. Having that physique at 40 is incredible, you know? I wish I had the same body when I’m 40. He probably trains twice a day, every day. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the chin anymore. That’s why you have to go at the right time,” he declared.
Ruffy having some fun at the expense of Chandler's noggin pic.twitter.com/yB4fBGUwBL
— MixingMartialArts (@RyanAWagMMA) June 17, 2026
Ranked second in the division, Arman Tsarukyan is one of the contenders to challenge Justin Gaethje for the belt, and is also considered a possible future opponent for Ruffy. He was scheduled to fight for the title earlier last year, but was unable to compete due to a back injury. Since then, the relationship between the Armenian and the matchmakers has become quite strained. Tsarukyan has only competed twice in the last two years, defeating Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker.
Mauricio Ruffy and Michael Chandler are experiencing opposite phases of their lives.
The loss against Ruffy represented yet another number added to the terrible trajectory of the former Bellator champion in the world's biggest MMA event. In total, Chandler has been defeated six times in Dana White's organization, having only won against Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson . For the Brazilian, however, the situation is completely different. The victory put the loss to Benoit Saint-Denis behind him and guaranteed a rise to seventh position in the ranking of the sport's most populous division.
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