Mauricio Ruffy prepares for fight against Michael Chandler at UFC White House

Mauricio Ruffy talks One Piece obsession

WASHINGTON, D.C. — UFC lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy joins MMA Fighting’s José Youngs to discuss everything from his favorite anime—including his deep love for One Piece and its wildly popular main character Monkey D. Luffy—and more. Ruffy (13-2) competes Sunday at UFC White House against former Bellator star and one-time UFC title challenger Michael Chandler. The Brazilian knockout artist won his first three fights after being signed off of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, including a Knockout of the Year candidate against King Green when he flattened the longtime veteran with a spinning wheel kick. After suffering his first loss at the hands of Benoit Saint Denis at UFC Paris this past September, Ruffy rebounded with a knockout of Rafael Fiziev at UFC 325. Ruffy currently trains alongside UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and his team in Australia, and aims to enter the thick of the lightweight title conversation with a star showing at UFC White House.