BVR is certainly the goal for AA engagements, but it is upset by tactics and good ECM. If the merge happens, then you are dealing with the Su-27 in your face.
The Russians have good ECM and experience in denying an adversary the long range shot. If they cannot shoot at long range, then close air happens.
The AMRAAM is good and getting through jamming though.
Tactics alone, and ECM, will help but will not stop the F-22. We can see them well before they can “see” us, and that means their ECM is marginally effective. (You don’t always drive around ‘jammin’ because its like turning on a flashlight in a dark room).
The enemy has to “see” our jet and they won’t. The bad guys will just start blowing up next to their lead/wingman and wonder where the shot came from.
F-22 is great BVR and doing grinder tactics by the F-22 ensures the likelihood of a merge is low.
If a merge does happen, the F-22 will smack’em hard.