As of April 2026, Mauricio Ruffy holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 13 wins and 2 losses. Competing in the highly competitive UFC Lightweight division, Ruffy has established himself as a premier finisher, with 12 of his 13 victories coming by way of knockout or technical knockout. Currently ranked #10 in the division, his career trajectory is defined by a high-octane striking style and a significant finishing rate that has made him a focal point of the 155-pound landscape.

Professional Record Overview

The following data represents the current standing of Mauricio Ruffy in professional mixed martial arts:

Category Statistic
Total Fights 15
Total Wins 13
Wins by Knockout (KO/TKO) 12
Wins by Decision 1
Total Losses 2
Losses by Submission 1
Losses by Knockout 1
Current Ranking #10 (UFC Lightweight)

Ruffy's record reflects a 92% finish rate among his wins, a statistic that ranks among the highest in the current UFC lightweight top 15. His reliance on striking efficiency is evidenced by the fact that only one professional bout in his career has ever reached the judges' scorecards.

Deep Dive into the Fight History

The Brazilian Regional Circuit and Early Dominance

Mauricio Ruffy's professional career began in September 2016. During his tenure on the Brazilian regional scene, he amassed an 8-1 record. This period was characterized by aggressive matchmaking, where Ruffy faced veteran competition early on.

His most notable pre-UFC victory occurred in May 2023 at Centurion FC: Rex Redemptor, where he faced UFC veteran Ronys Torres. Ruffy secured a second-round TKO via punches, a win that served as the primary catalyst for his invitation to Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS). During this early phase, Ruffy showcased a versatile striking game, utilizing both elbows and punches to finish opponents in organizations like Mega Fight Championship and Standout Fighting Tournament.

His only loss during this period came in November 2019 against Manoel Sousa via KO. This setback forced a strategic reassessment of his defensive shell, leading to the more calculated, counter-striking approach he utilizes today under the guidance of the "Fighting Nerds" gym.

Dana White’s Contender Series Breakthrough

On October 3, 2023, Ruffy faced Raimond Magomedaliev in a pivotal DWCS matchup. Magomedaliev was considered a high-level prospect with significant wrestling credentials. Ruffy demonstrated improved takedown defense and a patient striking game, eventually finding the finish via TKO in the third round at the 4:45 mark. This performance not only earned him a UFC contract but also highlighted his ability to maintain knockout power late into a fight.

The UFC Campaign: 2024 to 2026

Ruffy’s transition to the global stage was immediate and impactful.

  • UFC 301 vs. Jamie Mullarkey (May 4, 2024): In his promotional debut, Ruffy was tasked with facing a durable veteran in Mullarkey. Ruffy utilized a "Performance of the Night" worthy display to stop Mullarkey via strikes in the first round. His use of range and lead-hand accuracy was the deciding factor.
  • UFC 309 vs. James Llontop (November 16, 2024): This bout was contested at a catchweight after Llontop missed the lightweight limit. It remains the only fight in Ruffy’s career to go to a decision. Ruffy won via Unanimous Decision, proving he could manage his gas tank over 15 minutes of high-intensity grappling and striking exchanges.
  • UFC 313 vs. King Green (March 8, 2025): This match provided Ruffy’s most significant viral moment. He finished the veteran King Green with a spinning wheel kick in the first round. This victory catapulted him into the lightweight rankings and earned him his second "Performance of the Night" bonus.
  • UFC Fight Night vs. Benoît Saint Denis (September 6, 2025): Facing his toughest stylistic matchup to date in Paris, Ruffy suffered his first UFC loss. Saint Denis utilized relentless forward pressure and grappling to secure a face crank submission in the second round. The loss exposed areas for improvement in Ruffy’s bottom-game transition and clinch defense.
  • UFC 325 vs. Rafael Fiziev (February 1, 2026): Ruffy bounced back in spectacular fashion against a fellow elite striker. In a high-level technical battle, Ruffy secured a TKO victory in the second round. This win was critical as it proved Ruffy could compete with—and finish—the elite strikers of the top 10.

Technical Performance Metrics

Analysis of Ruffy’s professional record reveals specific statistical trends that define his success in the Octagon.

Striking Accuracy and Volume

Ruffy averages approximately 3.84 significant strikes landed per minute with a striking accuracy of 57%. His approach is characterized by high precision rather than sheer volume. He often waits for opponents to overextend before capitalizing with "One Shot" power—a nickname derived from both his punching power and his affinity for the One Piece protagonist.

The distribution of his strikes is heavily weighted toward the head (75%), though his recent bouts against Fiziev and Llontop showed an increased investment in body work (7%) and leg kicks (18%) to disrupt the movement of more mobile opponents.

Defensive Profile

One of Ruffy's most vital statistics is his takedown defense, which currently sits at 84%. In the lightweight division, where elite wrestlers often dominate, Ruffy’s ability to remain upright is the cornerstone of his record. His significant strike defense of 61% is also above the divisional average, suggesting that while he is an aggressor, he does not take unnecessary damage in the pocket.

Knockdown Average

Ruffy averages 1.01 knockdowns per 15 minutes. This is a remarkably high number for the lightweight division, indicating that his strikes carry "fight-altering" weight even when they do not immediately result in a TKO.

The Fighting Nerds Influence

Mauricio Ruffy is a prominent member of the "Fighting Nerds" gym based in São Paulo, Brazil. This camp has gained notoriety for its scientific approach to MMA, focusing on biomechanics, rigorous data analysis of opponents, and a distinct aesthetic (often seen wearing glasses during walkouts). The camp's philosophy emphasizes "calculated violence," which is reflected in Ruffy’s record: he rarely rushes into a finish, instead methodically breaking down his opponent's guard until the opening for a knockout presents itself.

In 2025, Ruffy announced the expansion of this team with a new facility in New Hampshire, USA, intended to bridge the gap between Brazilian talent and North American training resources. This move indicates a long-term commitment to maintaining his elite status in the UFC.

Future Outlook: The Road to the Title

As of April 2026, the UFC Lightweight division is in a state of flux, and Mauricio Ruffy is positioned as a dark horse for a title shot.

Upcoming Bout: UFC Freedom 250

Ruffy is scheduled to face former three-time Bellator champion and UFC title challenger Michael Chandler on June 14, 2026. This matchup is widely considered a "number one contender" eliminator or a high-stakes gatekeeper test for Ruffy. Chandler’s explosive wrestling and power-punching style will test Ruffy’s 84% takedown defense and his ability to handle early-round pressure.

Ranking Progression

Ruffy’s rise from an unranked newcomer in early 2024 to #10 in April 2026 represents one of the fastest climbs in the history of the 155-pound division. To move into the top 5, Ruffy will likely need to secure a win over Chandler and potentially a high-ranked opponent like Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier later in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mauricio Ruffy

What is Mauricio Ruffy's current MMA record?

As of April 25, 2026, Mauricio Ruffy has a professional record of 13 wins and 2 losses.

How many knockouts does Mauricio Ruffy have?

Out of his 13 professional wins, 12 have been achieved via knockout or technical knockout, giving him a 92% knockout rate.

What is the origin of Mauricio Ruffy's nickname?

His nickname "One Shot" refers to his ability to end fights with a single strike and is also a tribute to the main character of the anime One Piece (Luffy), which his late brother used as a reference for him.

Who is Mauricio Ruffy fighting next?

Mauricio Ruffy is scheduled to fight Michael Chandler on June 14, 2026, at UFC Freedom 250.

What rank is Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC?

Mauricio Ruffy is currently ranked #10 in the UFC Lightweight division as of the latest April 2026 rankings update.

Summary of Career Achievements

Mauricio Ruffy’s career is a testament to the effectiveness of precision striking and elite-level training. Since entering the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series, he has earned multiple "Performance of the Night" honors and established himself as one of the most dangerous finishers in the lightweight division.

His 13-2 record is not just a collection of wins, but a history of technical evolution. From his early days in the Brazilian regional circuit to his viral knockout of King Green and his tactical victory over Rafael Fiziev, Ruffy has proven he belongs among the world's elite. With a high-stakes matchup against Michael Chandler on the horizon, the next chapter of Ruffy’s record could very well lead him to a UFC championship opportunity.