Mauricio Ruffy, boasting a stellar record of 12-1, has made a statement at UFC 313 with a jaw-dropping knockout that’s likely to be a strong contender for Knockout of the Year. His victory over the legendary King Green, who boasts an impressive 32-17-1 record, was nothing short of spectacular. It took Ruffy a mere two minutes to inflict significant damage on his opponent with a swift right-hand strike, followed by an incredible spinning wheel kick that left the American reeling. This resounding win has catapulted the Brazilian fighter to the cusp of the top 15 in the lightweight division, and the buzz around him is growing by the day. It’s clear that Ruffy has an aura of a special fighter about him.
With this latest knockout, Ruffy’s career total now stands at 11 finishes, and he remains undefeated in the UFC with three wins and two KOs under his belt. The only fighter who has managed to withstand his onslaught is James Llontop, back at UFC 309, where Ruffy secured a knockout and dominated the fight with ease. This time around, it took him just four strikes to get the job done against Green. As Ruffy himself noted, “The crowd loved it, they went wild after the knockout, and it stuck” – a testament to the excitement and energy he brings to the Octagon.
Interestingly, Ruffy’s surname isn’t actually his birth name; instead, he adopted it as a tribute to his favorite character, Monkey D. Luffy, from the popular anime series “One Piece.” This nod to anime is not unique to Ruffy, as several other fighters, including Israel Adesanya and Max Holloway, have also drawn inspiration from the world of Japanese animation. As Ruffy revealed in a recent media day interview, “My brother changed my last name for my debut, and people liked it, they went wild after the knockout, so it stuck.”
In the aftermath of this thrilling knockout, fans are eagerly anticipating Ruffy’s next move, and many expect the UFC to grant him a top 15 ranking soon. His striking style, combined with his charisma, is a breath of fresh air for the lightweight division, which continues to attract new talent. With Jean Silva and Carlos Prates set to compete at UFC 314 in Miami, it’s shaping up to be another exciting year for the “Fighting Nerds” – a team that’s been making waves in the MMA scene. Will 2025 be the year they solidify their place among the sport’s elite? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – Mauricio Ruffy is a fighter to watch.