Eddie Alvarez has an interesting opinion on who could be more trouble for UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
As Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) takes the rest of 2026 off after an upset title win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy will battle in a potential No. 1 contender bout at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Although Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is more well rounded and has the far better resume than Ruffy (14-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC), Alvarez sees Ruffy being a tougher challenge for the champion.
"I actually like Justin's chances a lot against Arman," Alvarez told MMA Junkie. "I think that style against Arman, that's an easier style. I think that's an easier style for Justin than
against Ruffy. I think if Arman and Ruffy fight, I think Arman probably wins. But the style matchup that's worse for Gaethje is against Ruffy. Even though it's MMA math and Ruffy loses against Arman, I think Justin has an easier time with Arman."
Former UFC lightweight champion Alvarez broke down why he sees Ruffy presenting a tougher challenge for Gaethje.
"Ruffy has longer, cleaner boxing and keeps the range really well and doesn't overthrow," Alvarez said. "He's pretty tight with his punches. I think he's a worse matchup for Justin, but I don't think (Ruffy) gets past Arman. I think that style matchup for him is not that good."
Tsarukyan has fought just once in the past two-plus years – a quick submission of the skidding Dan Hooker in the UFC Fight Night 265 headliner last November. He has, however, remained very active by competing in numerous wrestling and grappling events.
"Arman hasn't been inside the cage that much, so we'll see if that's a factor, too, but I haven't really seen him unprepared," Alvarez said. "I've never looked at him during a performance and went, 'This guy looks like he didn't get ready for this.' He always seems like he's pretty ready."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ex-UFC champ says Justin Gaethje has 'easier time' vs. Arman Tsarukyan over Mauricio Ruffy
