Mauricio Ruffy is a 'Fighting Nerd' and one of Dana White's most exciting prospects. Ruffy is only two fights into his UFC career, yet his name is already on the lips of countless MMA fans. The 28-year-old put on a show for the New York crowd on Saturday at Madison Square Garden with a victory during UFC 309.
UFC 309 was headlined by Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, as the former defended his heavyweight belt , which subsequently caused the latter to retire. Ruffy was featuring in just his second UFC event, but has already achieved main card status. He contested James Llontop in a catchweight bout on Saturday, as the Peruvian was unable to make the 156lbs lightweight limit.
Ruffy looked crisp in the opening exchanges of the pair's bout and dropped Llontop in the first round with a right hand, but the 25-year-old was able to make it back to his feet. As the Brazilian continued to push forward and repeatedly catch Llontop with counter right hands, UFC commentator Joe Rogan said he looked like a giant version Conor McGregor. In similar fashion to the former UFC two-division champion, Ruffy dropped Llontop again in the second round, but this time with a devastating no-look uppercut.
Llontop survived again, however, and even though Ruffy slowed down in the final round, he still caught the Peruvian with multiple right hands that ultimately cemented the victory. Ruffy then had his hand raised deservedly, with Llontop displaying fresh battle wounds, as all three judges scored the contest .