Mauricio Ruffy is not content watching UFC 329 from the sidelines. Speaking on the Encarada channel, the rising Brazilian lightweight revealed he has already pushed his team to get him involved in one of the biggest events of the year: UFC 329- Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2.
Mauricio Ruffy’s Direct Request to His Manager
Mauricio Ruffy did not hold back when explaining what he wanted out of this moment.
“I’ve already told my manager to put me in as backup for Conor’s fight against Holloway,” Ruffy said. (Translated)
That request would mean Ruffy stepping outside his usual lightweight frame entirely, since the McGregor vs. Holloway rematch is booked at welterweight. If called upon, the Brazilian KO artist would need to move up to 170 pounds on short notice, a significant jump in size and strength against either man on that card.
Mauricio Ruffy Has A Style Built in Conor McGregor’s Shadow
Part of what makes this request so fitting is the constant stylistic comparison Ruffy has drawn throughout his UFC run. His wide stance, counterstriking instincts, and ability to finish fights with spinning attacks have repeatedly drawn comparisons to a young Conor McGregor, comparisons that commentators and fellow fighters alike have made without hesitation.
Ruffy himself has embraced the label rather than running from it, and being even closer to McGregor on fight week, even as a standby option, only adds another layer to that connection.
Coming Off the Biggest Win of His Career
This request comes at the perfect time for Ruffy’s momentum. He is fresh off an electric performance at UFC Freedom 250, where he finished Michael Chandler, the very fighter who was originally lined up to welcome Conor McGregor back to the octagon before Max Holloway took that spot instead.
About The Author
