The Pressure of Contender Series
Mauricio Ruffy’s third octagon appearance will be against longtime veteran King Green on the main card portion of UFC 313 this Saturday, but the Brazilian contends that the most intense pressure he has faced in his career came during a different fight. In October 2023, Ruffy participated in Dana White’s Contender Series, where he faced off against Kazakh welterweight Raimond Magomedaliev. Magomedaliev, a division above Ruffy, was heavily favored and had notable wins over fighters like Impa Kasanganay and Anthony Njokuani. However, Ruffy managed to secure an upset knockout with just 15 seconds left in the final round. The real pressure, though, stemmed from personal circumstances. Just days before the fight, Ruffy’s wife gave birth to their baby, and he had to leave them after only two days due to a skin issue that made it difficult to say goodbye. "I haven’t faced anything, in terms of pressure, like that Contender Series fight," Ruffy reflected. "It was very difficult for me. God helped me go through that, and I was able to knock him out."
Spectacular Debut and High-Profile Events
Ruffy’s journey in the UFC began with a bang when he signed with the organization and delivered one of the most spectacular debuts in recent memory. At UFC 301, he faced Jamie Mullarkey and won in a dazzling display that earned him an extra $50,000 and the admiration of his countrymen in Rio. His next fight, at Madison Square Garden against James Llontop in UFC 309, brought a new kind of nervousness. "I remember I couldn’t face the crowd in Rio," Ruffy said. "I wanted to feel the energy, but I was too overwhelmed. At Madison Square Garden, it felt so good I didn’t want it to end. The presence of high-profile figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk only added to the unique atmosphere." Despite the initial challenges, Ruffy is now fully prepared for his third fight, recognizing that the experiences he has had only contributed to his growth and readiness.
The Offer to Face Justin Gaethje
Ruffy was initially considered as a potential replacement for Dan Hooker in the UFC 313 co-main event against Justin Gaethje when Hooker suffered a hand injury. The offer was enticing, and Ruffy believes the match would have been exhilarating. However, the UFC ultimately opted for a rematch between Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, much to Ruffy’s understanding. "I would have loved to fight Justin," Ruffy admitted. "It would have been an incredible opportunity. But I get it; he chose to face a higher-ranked opponent. I’m fully focused on King Green now, and I’m excited for this fight. It’s only my third UFC appearance, but the opportunity to open the main card of what might be the biggest UFC event of the year is absolutely surreal. I’m grateful for everything God has provided."
Living a Decade of Moments in a Year
Ruffy’s rapid rise in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. "The impression I have is that I’m living in a year what an athlete would take 10 years to live," he shared. "I’ve faced immense challenges and experienced incredible highs, and I’m only in my early stages of the UFC. This fight against King Green is another step in my journey, and I’m ready to make the most of it. The happiness I feel from doing what I love far outweighs any anxiety or pressure. I’m just eager to step into the octagon and show the fans what I can do."
Analyzing King Green
King Green, a 38-year-old UFC veteran with a 26-fight career, has faced some of the most formidable opponents in the lightweight division, including future champion Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Edson Barboza. Despite his extensive experience, Ruffy sees a consistent pattern in Green’s fighting style. "I believe he has a fight pattern," Ruffy explained. "If you look at his fights from 10 years ago, he’s the same fighter. He’s changed to fighting more on a southpaw stance, but our team has studied everything about him. From his reactions round by round to his emotional outbursts, we have a detailed plan. His inability to control his emotions, evident from his pre-fight screams, can be an advantage for us. I’m confident the right moment will present itself, and I’ll take that opportunity with one decisive shot."
Ready to Impress
With the UFC 313 main card just a few days away, Ruffy is in peak form and eager to showcase his evolving skill set. "I’ve envisioned this fight for a long time," he said. "It’s a surprise that it came so soon, but I’m ready. This is only my third UFC fight, and already I’m opening the main card of such a significant event. I’m happy with the opportunities I’ve been given, and I plan to impress the fans with new moves. King Green is a seasoned fighter, but I believe my strategy and preparation will be the key to victory. I’m excited to see what I can achieve on this stage, and I’m ready to make a statement."
