Mauricio Ruffy is set for his third UFC appearance against veteran King Green on the main card of UFC 313. However, the Brazilian fighter reveals that the spotlight of a Las Vegas pay-per-view is not the most pressure he has encountered in his fight career.
Ruffy, a promising lightweight with an impressive record, shared with MMA Fighting that his experience on Dana White’s Contender Series was far more nerve-wracking than his subsequent UFC fights. This is despite now competing on a major stage.
In October 2023, Ruffy faced Raimond Magomedaliev on Contender Series. Magomedaliev, a welterweight, was heavily favored, boasting wins over notable fighters. Despite the odds, Ruffy scored a stunning knockout victory in the final round.
“The pressure I felt during the Contender Series fight was unparalleled,” Ruffy admitted. He explained the personal circumstances that amplified the stress: “My wife had just given birth to our baby. I only spent two days with them before traveling to Vegas. Her postpartum health issues made it incredibly difficult to leave. I was facing a larger opponent, considered a future champion, with Dana White watching closely. I felt the weight of needing to secure that UFC contract for my family. It was the most pressure I’ve ever felt. By God’s grace, I overcame it and secured the knockout.”
Following his Contender Series win, Ruffy signed with the UFC and made a spectacular debut at UFC 301 in front of his home crowd, defeating Jamie Mullarkey and earning a $50,000 performance bonus. His next fight in New York brought a different kind of excitement, seeing figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk ringside.
“In Rio, I couldn’t even face the crowd initially, wanting to absorb their energy,” Ruffy recalled. “Then, fighting at Madison Square Garden, once I entered the octagon against James Llontop at UFC 309, it felt incredible. I didn’t want it to end. And I anticipate the same feeling this time. Everything I’ve experienced has prepared me. It’s all been growth. Now, I just want to step in and do what I love. The joy of fighting outweighs any anxiety or pressure.”
Ruffy mentioned that the UFC considered him as a replacement for Dan Hooker against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, but ultimately opted for a Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev rematch. While Ruffy believes a Gaethje fight would be more thrilling, he understands Gaethje’s choice to face a higher-ranked opponent.
Focused on his upcoming fight with Green, Ruffy promises to showcase new skills that will excite the fans.
“I’ve been visualizing this fight for a while,” Ruffy stated. “Its quick arrival is surprising. This is only my third UFC fight, and my second time opening the main card—this time possibly on the biggest UFC event of the year. I am incredibly grateful for everything. It feels like I’m experiencing a decade’s worth of an athlete’s career in just one year. I’m very happy and thankful for this opportunity.”
Green’s extensive UFC career includes bouts against top fighters like Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Edson Barboza. Despite Green’s recent wins against Jim Miller, Grant Dawson, and Tony Ferguson, Ruffy believes Green’s fighting style has remained consistent over the years.
“I think his fight pattern is predictable,” Ruffy analyzed. “Comparing his fights from 10 years ago, he’s fundamentally the same fighter. He has slightly shifted to a southpaw stance more often, but our team has thoroughly analyzed every aspect of his game—his reactions in each round, his behavior. He’s emotional, evident in his screams during introductions. He talks constantly, likely to manage his inner tension. We believe we can use this to our advantage. We have a strategy we will execute.”
“I’m confident the opportune moment will arise, and when he presents that opening, one shot will be enough.”
