At UFC 313 tomorrow, Alex Pereira and Amanda Lemos won’t be the only Brazilian fighters stealing the spotlight on the main card. Rising MMA star Mauricio Ruffy (11-1) is also ready to showcase his exceptional skills. After an impressive 8-1 record in 2023, he made waves in the regional circuits and earned a coveted spot on Dana White’s Contender Series. A vicious knockout in his Contender Series 7.9 appearance secured his ticket to the UFC, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The Brazilian’s UFC debut came on the early prelims of UFC 301 against Jamie Mullarkey where Ruffy picked up a solid KO win in the first round.

Naturally, it wasn’t long before the Brazilian earned a spot on the main card. At UFC 309, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, Ruffy’s performance secured him a rare promotion. And he made full use of the opportunity as he earned a dominant decision win against James Llontop. Now, riding that momentum, Mauricio ‘One Shot’ will face veteran King Green tomorrow at T-Mobile Arena. This fight promises to be a thrilling clash between new blood and the old guard. What adds intrigue, however, is that “Ruffy” isn’t his real last name. So, what’s the true name behind the emerging lightweight star? Let’s find out.

Mauricio reveals the secret behind his last name ‘Ruffy’

Can fictional characters inspire meaningful lessons in real life? Take Israel Adesanya, for example. The former 2-time middleweight champion has openly embraced his love for anime, particularly series like Naruto and Avatar: The Last Airbender. His anime-inspired tattoos, including the ones on his stomach, reflect his deep connection to these stories. Even his nickname, ‘The Last Stylebender,’ draws from Avatar: The Last Airbender, demonstrating how his passion for anime transcends into his fighting persona.

In a similar vein, Mauricio Ruffy’s nickname was inspired by the protagonist of the beloved anime One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy. What’s intriguing, however, is that this connection came about by accident. The Brazilian’s brother decided to alter his name to make it catchier for fans, and when ‘One Shot’ made his debut, the crowd’s reaction was electric.

Recalling the moment, Mauricio Ruffy shared, “The origin of my nickname is because of the main character of the world-famous anime One Piece. It’s a cool story. On my debut, my brother changed my name. The audience liked it, went crazy after the knockout, and it stuck.” While “Ruffy” has become his moniker, Mauricio’s real name still remains a mystery.

What does Mauricio Ruffy’s nickname ‘One Shot’ mean?

Mauricio Ruffy’s nickname, “One Shot,” reveals a deeper side to the fighter’s persona. It isn’t drawn from anime like One Piece or Saitama: The One Punch Man but rather reflects his unwavering determination and belief in his ability to end the fight with a single, decisive blow. Unlike traditional narratives with a clear beginning, middle, and end, the essence of ‘One Shot’ lies in its simplicity—just one shot. This moniker embodies Ruffy’s mindset, reminding us of the Brazilian sensation’s breakthrough moment in 2023.

With a stunning “one shot” knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series, Mauricio Ruffy defied expectations and secured his place in the UFC. No matter the origin of his moniker, one thing is clear: tomorrow at UFC 313, Ruffy will give everything to take on Bobby ‘King’ Green, who is nearing his 50th MMA fight. This presents a dangerous challenge for the anime-loving Brazilian. Will “One Shot” be enough to prevent King Green from securing the win? Share your thoughts below.