Mauricio Ruffy volunteers to be backup for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway UFC 329 main event

Mauricio Ruffy has thrown his hat in the ring as a backup fighter for UFC 329's headlining matchup between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, coming off an emphatic victory at a major card. The Brazilian lightweight standout dominated Michael Chandler at UFC White House, finishing the former Bellator champion in under a round. Just days later, Ruffy announced via Instagram that he was making himself available as insurance for Saturday's main event, which will take place at welterweight (170 pounds).

Ruffy, ranked among the top lightweight contenders, expressed genuine enthusiasm about the opportunity to face either fighter. He has drawn stylistic comparisons to McGregor throughout his career and believes a bout between them would be compelling. Against Holloway, Ruffy highlighted his knockout power and aggressive approach to finishing fights, saying he would relish the chance to test himself against the former featherweight champion.

The 30-year-old Brazilian currently weighs around 185.6 pounds following his victory over Chandler, where he came in at the lightweight limit of 155 pounds. To make the welterweight limit for a potential UFC 329 appearance, he would need to drop approximately 14 pounds. Ruffy has demonstrated the ability to move between weight classes during his UFC tenure, including a previous 165-pound catchweight bout against James Llontop.

Ruffy holds a 5–1 record inside the octagon with four knockout victories, three of which earned him Performance of the Night bonuses. His spinning wheel kick finish over Bobby Green earned him MMA Fighting's 2025 Knockout of the Year award. His willingness to step up on short notice as a replacement underscores both his confidence and his eagerness to compete at the sport's highest level.