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Rising lightweight star Mauricio Ruffy has his sights set on Benoit Saint-Denis for his next UFC challenge. Following a unanimous decision victory over James Llontop at UFC 309, Ruffy (11-1) made his intentions clear during the post-fight press conference.
Ruffy’s latest win opened the main card at Madison Square Garden, where he showcased his skill and resilience against Llontop (14-5). Initially scheduled to face Charlie Campbell, Ruffy had to adjust to a last-minute opponent change after Llontop stepped in on short notice. The bout was contested at catchweight, but Llontop missed the mark, further complicating the matchup.
Reflecting on his journey, Ruffy expressed gratitude for the opportunities and lessons he’s gained through a challenging year.
“It’s been a mix of learning experiences,” he said. “Six months of camp, dieting, and preparing for fights that didn’t happen. A lot of learning experiences, but I do want to thank the UFC for the opportunity to be here at a card in Madison Square Garden. I learned a lot and I took a lot from these experiences.”
Now, Ruffy aims to test himself against Saint-Denis, a seasoned and gritty competitor coming off back-to-back losses. The matchup seems logical to the 155-pound prospect and is garnering interest from fans online.
“The guy is coming off two losses, and people are looking at me and starting to point the finger and say, ‘This guy is coming up,’” Ruffy stated. “I think it will be a really good fight, and it’s not even coming from me. A lot of people online and on social media would like that fight to happen. I think it will be a great fight. I hope he takes it.”
With his determination and a growing fanbase, Ruffy is poised to make waves in the lightweight division, and a clash with Saint-Denis could be his next big step.
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