Mauricio Ruffy: ‘Train sambo if you want to put on boring fights’
Mauricio Ruffy had a lot to say at UFC Paris media day.
One of the core four ‘Fighting Nerds’, BrazilS Luffy returns this weekend at UFC Paris alongside teammate Caio Borralho who headlines against top middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov.
The #15-ranked Ruffy will look to climb the lightweight rankings when he battles France’s Benoit Saint-Denis (#13) in the co-main event of the evening.
Just three fights into his career, Ruffy is up there with the most exciting fighters on the roster, especially after his spinning heel kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313 in March-a ‘KO of the year’ contender.A striker at heart (and a dynamic one at that), Ruffy turned some heads with his brutally honest opinion on grapplers.
Khamzat Chimaev’s title-winning performance against du Plessis at UFC 319 that saw him completely dominate from start-to-finish with his grappling, has sparked much chatter in the MMA community.
Chimaev could be who Ruffy is referring to, as the middleweight champ broke the record for most control time in a UFC title fight (21:40 out of 25:00) just a few weeks ago.
“I don’t think a guy that just holds on to you for 25 minutes should be considered the best in the world,” Ruffy said through a translator at UFC Paris media day.
“We have guys like Topuria, who can play jiu-jitsu, wrestle, knock guys out and Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, all these guys have put on a great
UFC Fans Question ‘Fighting Nerds’ Star Mauricio Ruffy’s Comments on Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev
Mauricio Ruffy, a grappling analyst known for his work with the “Fighting Nerds” podcast, has drawn criticism from UFC fans after making comments questioning the grappling prowess of Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev.Ruffy’s statements, made during a recent broadcast, sparked a debate online, with many fans accusing him of disrespecting the Dagestani fighters and their accomplishments.
Ruffy reportedly suggested that Makhachev and Chimaev’s success is partially due to the level of competition they face, implying their dominance wouldn’t translate as effectively against other top contenders. He specifically questioned their grappling abilities, a core strength for both fighters. https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2024/05/16/246145/ufc-fans-question-who-fighting-nerds-star-is-firing-shots-at-in-controversial-grappling-rant
The reaction from fans was swift and largely negative. Many pointed to Makhachev’s undefeated professional record (24-0 as of May 17, 2024) and his dominant victories over top-ranked opponents like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier as evidence of his elite grappling skills. https://www.ufc.com/athletes/islam-makhachev similarly, fans highlighted Khamzat Chimaev’s (12-2 as of May 17, 2024) aggressive style and high finishing rate, with 11 of his 12 wins coming by way of knockout or submission. https://www.ufc.com/athletes/khamzat-chimaev
“Islam is on another level. He’s dismantled top-tier grapplers. This guy needs 3 years in Dagestan and forget,” one fan commented, referencing the renowned wrestling and grappling culture of the Dagestan region of Russia.
Another fan criticized Ruffy, stating, “khamzat is a finishing machine, in general. What planet is this Connor wannabe on?” – a jab at Ruffy’s perceived attempt to generate controversy.The debate underscores the passionate fanbase surrounding Makhachev and Chimaev, both of whom are considered among the most exciting and dominant fighters in the UFC. Makhachev currently holds the UFC Lightweight Championship,while chimaev competes in the Welterweight division and is a rising star in the institution.