Mauricio Ruffy made it clear that he deserves a place among the top names in the UFC lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). On the main card of UFC 325, held last Saturday (31), the Brazilian overcame Rafael Fiziev with authority, dominated the action in the stand-up fight and finished the fight with a beautiful knockout, recovering from the defeat suffered in his previous performance.
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With the victory, Ruffy achieved his 14th career win, his fourth since joining the UFC, and overcame his loss to Benoit Saint-Denis . Fiziev, on the other hand, suffered his fifth defeat within the organization.
Ruffy dominates the distance and knocks out Fiziev in the second round.
The athletes began the duel battling for control of the center of the octagon. More aggressive, Rafael Fiziev relied on low kicks and powerful crosses to impose his rhythm. Midway through the round, the representative from Azerbaijan attempted his first takedown, but without success. Then, Mauricio Ruffy connected with a strong jab, although he was countered with a cross. In the final stretch, the Brazilian showed more freedom, landed good counter punches and even connected with a high kick, despite being pressed against the cage.
Ruffy is a standout Brazilian in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In the second round, Fiziev returned even more aggressively, frequently exploiting left-handed middle kicks. Ruffy, however, maintained his strategy of controlling the distance and relying on powerful counter-attacks. In the final minute, the Brazilian landed a precise right straight that stunned his opponent. He then took the fight to the ground and finished the bout with a strong ground and pound.
UFC 325 results
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) – Title fight
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Benoit Saint Denis defeated Dan Hooker by technical knockout (punches and elbows) at 4:45 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy defeated Rafael Fiziev by technical knockout (punches) at 4:30 of round 2.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Tallison Teixeira defeated Tai Tuivasa by unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Quillan Salkilld defeated Jamie Mullarkey by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:01 of Round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Billy Elekana defeated Junior Tafa by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:18 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Cam Rowston defeated Cody Brundage by technical knockout (punches) at 4:08 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Jacob Malkoun defeated Torrez Finney by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Welterweight (up to 77 kg): Jonathan Micallef defeated Oban Elliott by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:31 of round 2.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Kaan Ofli defeated Yi Zha by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Dom Mar Fan defeated SangWook Kim by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Keiichiro Nakamura defeated Sebastian Szalay by technical knockout (knee strike) at 3:38 of round 3.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Lawrence Lui defeated Sulangrangbo by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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