Ilia Topuria is a former featherweight champion. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/UFC Europe
Brazilian MMA fans are mourning the aftermath of UFC 317. Ilia Topuria gave Charles Oliveira no chance , brutally knocking out the former champion in the first round . However , if it's up to Mauricio Ruffy, the bitter feeling left by the Spaniard is short-lived.
Through a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), 'Nerd' sent a direct message to Ilia Topuria , acknowledging that his rival is in good form, but making it clear that this has an expiration date. In a defiant tone, Luffy stated that he intends to knock out the champion and end this moment of prominence.
“Enjoy this moment Topuria… I’ll definitely put you to sleep!” wrote Ruffy.
Make the most of this moment
Topuria…
I'll definitely put you to sleep!!#oneshot pic.twitter.com/AVcd4MCBDX— Mauricio Ruffy (@Ruffymma) June 29, 2025
Topuria's belt fight has fierce competition
Despite Mauricio Ruffy's desire to face Ilia Topuria , the Brazilian still has a long way to go before a title shot. That's because there's a real queue of challengers ahead of him, starting with Paddy Pimblett . Even though he's only ranked seventh in the featherweight division, the Briton was chosen by the champion himself for a face-off in the octagon at UFC 317.
Besides Pimblett, other names are waiting for a title shot, such as Arman Tsarukyan , who was scheduled as a replacement for the fight between Topuria and Charles do Bronx , and Justin Gaethje , who has already had two opportunities to fight for the belt, but was defeated in both.
Mauricio Ruffy's career in the UFC
Maurício Ruffy defeated King Green at UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC News
Unlike his competitors, Ruffy still needs to earn his place in the division rankings before thinking about fighting for the belt. Representing the Fighting Nerds team, the Brazilian has three fights in the UFC and three wins, two of which were by knockout.
In his UFC debut at UFC 301 , Mauricio defeated Jamie Mullarkey by technical knockout in the first round. In his second appearance, at UFC 309 , the Brazilian had his arm raised after dominating James Llontop for three rounds. In his most recent fight, at UFC 313 , Ruffy spectacularly knocked out King Green .
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