Mauricio Ruffy secured a dramatic knockout victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 325, marking a strong return to the win column for the Brazilian lightweight contender.
Ruffy faced early pressure but regained control in the second round, landing a precise right hand that staggered Fiziev. He followed up with a barrage of punches on the ground, prompting the referee to intervene and end the bout.
Fight Breakdown: Ruffy vs. Fiziev
The matchup began with Fiziev dictating the pace, targeting Ruffy’s lead leg with sharp kicks and forcing the southpaw into a defensive posture reminiscent of Conor McGregor’s style. Ruffy absorbed damage but countered effectively with a well-timed head kick and jabs to keep his opponent at bay.
As the second round progressed, Fiziev pressed forward, appearing to hold the advantage. However, Ruffy shifted the momentum with a counter right hand that rocked Fiziev. A subsequent left hook amplified the damage, leading to a devastating right that left Fiziev stumbling. Sensing the opportunity, Ruffy swarmed with ground strikes, forcing the stoppage.
This triumph boosts Ruffy’s professional record to 13-2 and propels him into the lightweight top 10 after defeating the No. 9-ranked Fiziev, who suffered his second straight loss.
Ruffy’s Post-Fight Callouts
Following the win, Ruffy dedicated the performance to his late brother, who tragically died by suicide. He then expressed his desire to face Paddy Pimblett or Conor McGregor next, addressing UFC president Dana White directly.
Ruffy’s aggressive, precise striking has drawn frequent comparisons to McGregor throughout his career. The 29-year-old previously delivered one of the most memorable knockouts in UFC history against King Green at UFC 313.
McGregor prepares for his comeback at UFC White House, while Pimblett recently fell to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, positioning him as a viable next opponent for Ruffy.
UFC 325 Full Results
Main Card
Mauricio Ruffy def. Rafael Fiziev via second-round KO (punches) – Lightweight
Tallison Teixeira def. Tai Tuivasa via unanimous decision – Heavyweight
Quillan Salkilld def. Jamie Mullarkey via first-round submission (neck crank) – Lightweight
Preliminary Card
Billy Elekana def. Junior Tafa via second-round submission (rear-naked choke) – Light Heavyweight
Cam Rowston def. Cody Brundage via second-round TKO (punches) – Middleweight
Jacob Malkoun def. Torrez Finney via unanimous decision – Middleweight
Jonathan Micallef def. Oban Elliot via second-round submission (rear-naked choke) – Welterweight
Season 4 Road to UFC Finals
Kaan Ofli def. Yizha via majority decision – Featherweight
Dom Mar Fan def. Kim Sang-wook via unanimous decision – Lightweight
Keiichiro Nakamura def. Sebastian Szalay via third-round KO (knee) – Featherweight
Lawrence Lui def. Sulangrangbo via split decision – Bantamweight
