Mauricio Ruffy's only executioner, the Brazilian knockout artist convinces Dana and secures a UFC contract.

Manumito in victory at Contender Series (Photo: Instagram)

The only man to defeat Mauricio Ruffy in professional MMA, Manoel Sousa, known as Manumite, has earned his place in the UFC. The Brazilian impressed Dana White by defeating Cristian Perez by technical knockout in the third round, in a duel valid for the Contender Series, last Tuesday (26), guaranteeing a contract with the largest MMA organization in the world.

The duel was marked by drama. Dominated for the first ten minutes, Manumito found space to change the course of the fight with a clean strike that rocked his rival. Sensing the moment, the Brazilian went on the attack and forced the referee to stop the fight, drawing applause from the president of the UFC, who didn't hesitate to award him the contract.

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"He lost the first two rounds, but that punch changed everything. He showed heart, showed power, and finished the fight. That's the kind of fighter we want here," said Dana White, justifying the Brazilian's signing.

Manumito has a victory over Mauricio Ruffy on his resume

Even before arriving in the UFC, Manoel Sousa had already made his mark. In 2019, the Brazilian inflicted the first and, so far, only defeat on Mauricio Ruffy, now considered one of the great prospects in the lightweight division. On that occasion, Manumite It turned into an electrifying confrontation and he knocked out his compatriot at Standout Fighting Tournament 18, a feat that was remembered again with the signing of his contract.

Now, the paths of these Brazilians may cross again in the future. While Ruffy is already ranked in the lightweight division and preparing to face Benoît Saint-Denis at UFC Paris, Manumito begins his journey in the world's most famous octagon with the chance to transform his historic victory from the past into fuel to seek greater heights within the organization.