If it's up to Mauricio Ruffy, the days of mourning for Brazilian MMA fans are numbered. Since Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 , the Fighting Nerds representative has been focused on dethroning the Spaniard and, because of that, assures that he already has the champion's entire game plan studied.
In an interview with the 'Eldo Berdan MMA' channel, Ruffy stated that he sees a potential fight against Ilia Topuria as a clash between opposing styles. While the champion stands out for his constant pressure and aggressive attacks, the Brazilian relies on his defensive skills, precise 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
Ilia Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
Ruffy compared his style to that of Charles Oliveira , who was 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 Carlos, the Brazilian stated that he specializes precisely in the type of game in which Topuria usually excels.
"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
Maurício Ruffy in victory at UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC Brazil
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 that mission is to finish off Ilia Topuria . I’m sure I have all the tools to take down Topuria. I’m the guy who’s going to knock out Ilia Topuria . And I’m not the kind of guy who likes to sell the fight like that, talking about what I’m going to do to the guy, but I really believe in my potential and I really believe in what I’ve seen. He’s almost been knocked out several times in the UFC,” concluded the 'Nerd'.
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Read More about: Charles of the Bronx, Ilia Topuria, Mauricio Ruffy, UFC
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