UFC lightweight star Mauricio Ruffy has sent former dual-weight champion Conor McGregor an enticing invitation to get revenge on Islam Makhachev. The Brazilian fighter has been turning heads since his arrival in the UFC, following an impressive performance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023.
With three wins under his belt, including a knockout of Raimond Magomedaliev, the 28-year-old is quickly climbing the ranks. Ruffy shocked the world with a jaw-dropping spinning wheel kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313 last month, earning him buzz as a potential future champion. Now, the ‘Fighting Nerd’ is eyeing a high-profile bout that could propel him towards title contention.
Acknowledging similarities between his own style and McGregor’s, Ruffy expressed admiration for the Irish superstar. “In the construction of Mauricio Ruffy, there was always a little bit of Conor McGregor there,” he told MMAJunkie. “I’m a big Conor McGregor fan, I love McGregor’s style, and there is a little bit of McGregor there.”
Eager to challenge current 155lb king Makhachev for the gold in the near future, Ruffy is also open to giving McGregor some form of redemption. “When I’m ready to fight Islam Makhachev, when I go to fight him, I want to invite Conor McGregor to be in my corner so it’s us against the Russians,” the Brazilian continued.
“I want McGregor there, I want McGregor to be able to be up close and taste the victory for when I beat the Russians. Khabib’s gonna be there, of course, so I want McGregor to be there as part of my corner for when I defeat them and put an end to Islam Makhachev.”
McGregor’s long-standing rivalry with the Nurmagomedov camp remains one of the iconic feuds in the history of MMA. Recently, the 36-year-old exchanged hostilities with Makhachev, yet a direct a showdown between them has not taken shape.
It’s been some time since McGregor stepped into the octagon, his last bout resulting in loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. Although he initially showed interest in a comeback earlier this year, ‘The Notorious’ has teased fans with hints of hanging up his gloves.
During a BKFC media event, McGregor spoke about his future: “I’ve got two fights on the contract, I’m in negotiations,” he divulged. His attention was seemingly pulled away by matters outside the ring: “Last week something happened to me, I went to the White House and my heart bleeds for my country right now. So there’s a lot of stuff going on back home, I’m happy with what I’ve done. There’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now and that’s kind of where I’m going.”
However, shortly after, when questioned about his capability to juggle fighting and presidential duties simultaneously, the Irish star provided a swift answer, responding: “F*****g right I will, of course, are you crazy? That’s part of why I want to do it! To be announced as the President of Ireland while having a fight? Imagine that. But for sure, hell yeah, hell yes.”
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