A New Chapter for Ricardo Ramos
The Fighting Nerds, a renowned Brazilian MMA team, had a stellar performance last weekend in Seattle with Jean Silva’s impressive showing inside the octagon. Now, it’s time for another featherweight from the team, Ricardo Ramos, to step into the spotlight. Ramos is set to face Chepe Mariscal this Saturday at UFC Vegas 103, aiming to build on his recent decision victory over Josh Culibao in August 2024. This bout marks a significant moment for Ramos, not just in his career but also in his personal life, as he recently made a major transition from Team Alpha Male in California to coach Pablo Sucupira’s Fighting Nerds in Sao Paulo.
Family First: The Reason Behind the Move
Ramos’ decision to move back to Brazil was driven by a deep sense of family commitment. "I decided to make this transition because of my family, my daughter," Ramos explained to MMA Fighting. "I spent a good time in the United States and decided to stay closer to family now. Many athletes go to the United States, adapt well and live there, but we couldn’t do it for personal reasons, so we decided to stay here [in Sao Paulo]." Despite the change, Ramos maintains a positive relationship with his former coaches at Team Alpha Male. He spoke with them before making the move and remains on good terms, but his focus is now firmly on his new home and team in Sao Paulo.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Ramos’ first training camp with the Fighting Nerds was a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges. He is still living in his native Campinas, which means a daily 120-mile round trip to and from the gym. "I’m still experiencing it, but managed to do a good camp," Ramos said. "It was great to train with them. The energy is through the roof and I enjoyed it a lot. I’m also sharing with them in any way I can to help the team." Despite the logistical hurdles, Ramos is optimistic about his new environment and the support he has received from his new teammates. "Let’s go for another war with a new home. It’s going to be a tremendous victory," he added, emphasizing his determination and the team’s collective spirit.
Understanding the Opponent
Chepe Mariscal, Ramos’ opponent this Saturday, has a long and storied amateur career that transitioned into a professional record of 13-6 before he joined the UFC. Inside the octagon, Mariscal has been unbeaten with three decisions in four bouts. Ramos is well aware of the challenges Mariscal presents. "He’s a chaotic guy," Ramos noted. "We have to be careful because he goes all-in. He draws you to his own game and brawls on the feet. If you let that happen and turn it into chaos, he has good cardio. He’s more physical than anything else. He does a bit of everything, so it’s a matter of controlling his attacks. He has good takedowns and several submissions and also has knockouts, but has gone the distance more in the UFC."
Preparing for a Dynamic Fight
Ramos, who has an 8-5 record under the UFC banner, is no stranger to high-stakes bouts. His recent period away from the octagon, spent recovering from injuries sustained from Culibao’s leg kicks, was not wasted. He stayed active in jiu-jitsu competitions, sharpening his skills and preparing for his return. "I think the chances of a knockout are higher," Ramos said. "He’ll give me openings on the feet to knock him out on the feet. On the other hand, he’s never been submitted before. I can see his defensive jiu-jitsu is very good, but he puts himself in a lot of bad spots, giving his back and fighting off his back. If I have an opportunity in one of those positions, I’ll go for it. I won’t miss it." However, Ramos is cautious about expending too much energy on Mariscal’s chaotic style. "But I won’t work too much for it so I don’t lose too much energy with his scrambles. I can’t miss opportunities against him," he added, highlighting his strategic approach to the fight.
A Promising Future with the Fighting Nerds
As Ramos prepares to face Mariscal, he is not just fighting for himself but also for his new team. The Fighting Nerds have a reputation for producing skilled and determined fighters, and Ramos is eager to contribute to that legacy. "It’s going to be a tremendous victory," he reiterated, emphasizing his confidence and the team’s collective ambition. The move to Sao Paulo has brought him closer to his family and provided a fresh start in his career. With a new home, a supportive team, and a clear strategy, Ricardo Ramos is poised to make a significant impact at UFC Vegas 103 and beyond.
