Mauricio Ruffy in an interview after winning the UFC. Photo: Instagram
If it depends on Maurício Ruffy, the days of mourning for Brazilian MMA fans are numbered. Since Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317, the representative of Fighting Nerds is focused on dethroning the Spaniard and, because of this, guarantees that he has already studied the champion's entire game.
In an interview with the channel 'Eldo Berdan MMA', Ruffy stated that he sees a possible fight against Ilia Topuria as a clash of opposing styles. While the champion stands out for his constant pressure and aggressive attack, the Brazilian relies on his defensive skill, refined movement, and strategic reading of the fight.
"His best skill is moving forward and placing his hands. My greatest strength is defending, dodging, touching, and not being touched. I know I have all the weapons here. I'm actually a fight nerd; I spend a lot of time watching and studying. I live this sport," said Luffy.
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For Luffy, Topuria's style, while effective, is limited and predictable. The Brazilian believes the champion repeats a pattern of strikes, which makes him vulnerable to more analytical opponents.
"He has a pattern of jabs, straights, crosses, and advances. Even if he wants to, he'll be able to change that. It's Topuria's style, and all great fighters eventually show the way to be defeated," continued the Fighting Nerds athlete.
Relying on the element of surprise, Luffy sees himself as an enigmatic opponent, as he's still relatively unknown. According to the nerd, this unpredictability is a significant advantage against someone like Topuria, who builds his knockouts based on planned situations.
"I'm a new guy, no one knows what to expect when they fight me. And Topuria's game of building up the knockout and calling the shots—I'm an expert. My fighting style is about creating moments to knock you out," concluded Luffy.
Mauricio Ruffy compares himself to Charles of the Bronx
Luffy compared his style to that of Charles of the Bronx, what is it knocked out by the Spaniard, and pointed out that, while the former champion relies on direct striking, he prefers a more calculated and strategic approach. Without belittling Charles, the Brazilian stated that he specializes in precisely the type of game in which Topuria usually shines.
"He's not like Charles, who goes in and punches. He doesn't calculate, he doesn't feint. But I'm not criticizing Charles, because that style made him successful in the UFC; that's his style. But I'm sure that, in this (Tupuria) game of creating knockout situations, I know how to play," explained Maurício Ruffy.
Mauricio Ruffy promises to knock out Ilia Topuria
Mauricio Ruffy in victory at UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Brasil
Despite avoiding provocative speeches, Ruffy sees the fight against Topuria as a mission. Representing Brazil, the lightweight (up to 70,2 kg) says he's ready to end the champion's unbeaten streak.
“I don’t see it as revenge, but Brazil gave me a mission, and the mission is to end the Ilia Topuria. I'm sure I have all the weapons to shut down Topuria. I'm the guy who's going to knock him out. Ilia Topuria. And I'm not a guy who likes to sell the fight like that, saying what I'm going to do to the guy, but I really believe in my potential and I really believe in what I saw. He was almost knocked out several times in the UFC," concluded the 'Nerd'.
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