No. 7 ranked lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy has an enormous opportunity and challenge in front of him. The Brazilian faces No. 2 ranked Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 331 co-main event on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles and a win would put the 30 year-old squarely in the title shot conversation.
“I worked for this. I dream of this. This is what I want. I know that this is a straight opportunity to a title shot. I’ve dreamed a lot about this and we’ve gotten it. On the way to a title,” Ruffy told UFC on Paramount +.
Questioned about his approach to defeating Tsarukyan and overcoming the Armenian
Russian’s grappling, Ruffy said he’ll let actions speak for themselves.
“Talking, anyone can talk. But I like to walk. I’ll let the actions do the talking,” he said. “We know the wrestling is going to be something that’s strong, but I’d rather show what’s happening.
“I know he is a very tough fighter. He’s actually probably the most challenging fighter that’s going to be presented to me. It’s a challenge. I’ve trained a lot for this. I’d rather us not talk and show people. I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m ready to go.”
“I’m not worried about what he brings to the table. I’m never worried about it. I’m not going go train thinking of what he brings. I’m worried about what I bring to the table,” continued Ruffy. “I go into the octagon thinking the same thing, I know I have to defend those takedowns and knock people out.”
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