UFC 301 took place on Saturday from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the UFC flyweight champion looked to defend his 125lb title against Steve Erceg in the main event
On the prelims was the debut of Contender Series contract winner, Mauricio Ruffy. ‘One Shot’ who has spent his last few fights at welterweight, moved down to 155lbs to take on Jamie Mullarkey in his full UFC debut.
The 30-year-old won his UFC contract after knocking out Raimond Magomedaliev in round three of the recent season of Dana White’s Contender Series.
Jamie Mullarkey on the other hand was coming in off a brutal round one knockout loss to Nasrat Haqparast and was looking to return to the win column.
Mauricio Ruffy compared to ‘young Conor McGregor’ after emphatic knockout win
The Brazilian product who trains out of the ‘Fighting Nerds’ camp, possesses a fascinating hands-down style while staying light on his feet, and had a lot of early success in his lightweight battle with the Australian, Mullarkey.
Early on in the fight, Ruffy began finding a home for a blisteringly fast and powerful right hand and also had Mullarkey’s lead leg damaged and compromised.
Despite Mullarkey being known for his dogged heart and determination, Ruffy began separating himself in the striking exchanges, and just halfway through the opening round, he bloodied the nose of the 29-year-old.
While Ruffy was displaying his exciting karate style, UFC analyst, Din Thomas stated on the broadcast that he reminded him of a ‘young Conor McGregor‘ which was backed up by commentators, Paul Felder and Daniel Cormier.
Not long after, ‘One Shot’ Ruffy landed a barrage of strikes directly on the chin of Mullarkey, dropping him to the ground. The Australian showed signs of his doggedness and returned to his feet momentarily, but was dropped again by a frightening flying knee and uppercut.
Referee, Mike Beltran saw enough and spared Mullarkey any more unnecessary damage.
Mauricio Ruffy sends warning to Islam Makhachev
Following his debut win in his home country, Mauricio Ruffy sent a warning to current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
“That’s me and I have a message for Islam Makhachev, a nice message. Hey (Islam) enjoy your days at the top I know you’re upset because I beat your friend but enjoy your days because a new king is coming.” Ruffy said in the Octagon following his first-round win.
Although Jamie Mullarkey isn’t in the top 15 of the lightweight division, he may find himself matched up with someone just outside or inside of the rankings for his next outing following his win, in what was likely his coming out party.