Maurício Ruffy reveals his desire to face Ilia Topuria in the UFC: 'I believe I could knock her out'

Ruffy backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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O impressive knockout about Michael chandler No. UFC White HouseThe event, held last Sunday (14) in Washington DC (USA), not only raised Mauricio Ruffy's status in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg), but also made the Brazilian project even bigger confrontations. Rising in the organization, the Brazilian revealed that he would like to measure forces with Ilia Topuria, former champion of the category and one of the leading names in world MMA.

In an interview with Laerte Viana's YouTube channel, Ruffy admitted that he is closely following the Georgian's current form and believes he could surprise his rival inside the octagon. Known for his aggressive style and constant pursuit of knockouts, the Brazilian stated that he would face the challenge without altering his usual strategy.

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“I really want to fight Topuria. I had the expectation of beating him. I believe I could knock him out. I'm always looking for the knockout, that's what I do in the octagon, but I also know that the risk of being knocked out is high. Especially because of my fighting style. Because I'm always looking for the knockout,” declared the former Fighting Nerds athlete.

Despite the confidence he displayed, the fighter made a point of highlighting the respect he has for the former champion. The Brazilian regretted not having had the opportunity to face him before his defeat to... Justin gaethje No. UFC White House, a result that completely altered the landscape of the category. Even so, he stressed that the setback does not diminish the Georgian's importance in the sport.

“I wish I’d ​​had the chance to fight him before he lost. But that doesn’t diminish Topuria’s greatness. He’s an extraordinary fighter, I’m a fan,” the lightweight fighter concluded.

The statement reinforces the ambition of the athlete from Alagoas, who recently began conducting part of his training alongside... Alexander VolkanovskySince joining the organization, he has built his reputation on explosive performances and exciting feats. Against Chandler, he achieved the biggest highlight of his career by knocking out one of the division's most well-known names, significantly increasing his visibility among top contenders.

Category moment

With the lightweight division going through a period of transformation after winning the belt by Justin gaethjeSeveral athletes are vying for a place among the top contenders for the title. In this context, a potential matchup between Ruffy and Topuria could represent a decisive step for both. On one side, the Brazilian would try to consolidate his position among the elite of the category. On the other, the Georgian would seek to recover ground after losing his undefeated record and the championship title.

If the organization decides to grant the request of the fighter from Alagoas, the confrontation would pit two fighters known for their knockout power and offensive style against each other, ingredients that promise a high-level spectacle inside the octagon.