Mauricio Ruffy’s coach says his growth since first UFC loss is “chalk and cheese” ahead of UFC 331

Mauricio Ruffy is heading into UFC 331 with his coaching staff framing the fight as a contrast to his first loss inside the UFC. Joe Lopez, who works closely with Ruffy, said the improvements since that defeat are “chalk and cheese,” describing a fighter whose skill set and fight preparation have evolved materially from the moment that exposed areas to fix.

Lopez’s focus, according to the report, is Ruffy’s ground game. The coach expressed confidence that Ruffy’s grappling has progressed enough to change the way a fight can unfold once it hits the mat, not just as a supplement to his offense but as a primary pathway to control and success.

The language of “improvement” in these moments usually means more than one technique. Even without getting into specific rounds or opponent breakdowns, Lopez’s comments place weight on adjustment, repeatability, and execution under pressure, the kind of refinements that tend to separate a promising prospect from a more complete UFC-level operator.

Lopez’s confidence also matters because UFC 331 represents another step in the division’s rhythm, where fighters are measured quickly against high-level opponents. A first UFC loss can force a fighter to re-evaluate everything, from stance and entry angles to how aggressively they commit to takedowns or transitions. In that context, the claim that Ruffy’s current look is drastically different carries the implication that Lopez believes the foundational problems have been addressed.

Still, the practical question for UFC 331 is whether those training-floor changes translate into fight-night decision-making. Coaches can be right about a specific area, like the ground game, but the UFC is defined by timing, discipline, and the opponent’s ability to neutralize or counter. What to watch next is how often Ruffy is able to win scrambles, secure positions, and turn grappling exchanges into sustained control.

Because this story is built on a coaching perspective rather than a full fight preview, it does not settle key details like matchup style, specific tactical plans, or how Ruffy’s training camp unfolded day-to-day. Readers should treat the “chalk and cheese” framing as a strong indicator of direction, but not as a guarantee of outcomes on the card.

As UFC 331 approaches, Lopez’s comments set a clear expectation for the way Ruffy’s camp wants to look: calmer on the ground, more deliberate in sequences, and more confident in finishing or controlling once the fight moves to grappling exchanges.