Rodrigo Nascimento has no intention of letting the fight stagnate, just holding onto the top spot in his next showdown with Derrick Lewis.
Nascimento (11-1) will face more competition when he takes on Derrick Lewis (27-12) in the main event of UFC St. Louis on May 11. Ruiz is known for his highlight-reel knockouts, but Nascimento underestimated the versatility of his opponent in his first Ultimate Fighting Championship headliner.
“I mean, I think he’s an unpredictable fighter… He’s very dangerous, you know, he’s got heavy hands, but he’s a complete fighter,” the Brazilian said of UFC St. Louis. He spoke at media day. “I know that, I watch his fights. He knows how to put someone down. He can strike, he can fake. He’s definitely a complete fighter.”
Ruiz is coming off a lopsided unanimous decision loss to Jaylton Almeida in November 2023, in which “Maljazinho” had little control on the ground and didn’t do much damage. Ta. Almeida may have revealed the safest roadmap to defeating the feared KO artist, but Nascimento has no intention of following that blueprint. ‘Yogi Bear’ believes that being heavier than Almeida, a former light heavyweight, he can do more damage on the ground and display better control.
“Yeah, he’s definitely good.” [getting randomly back to his feet]
But I’m not Jaelton [Almeida]” said the 31-year-old. “I’ve gained weight and my ground control is definitely better, my ground-and-pound is better. And even if I beat him once, that doesn’t mean I’m going to finish this fight.” You only need to do it once.”
Lewis is known for doing funny things after games, such as taking off his shorts and throwing a cup at the crowd. But Nascimento has no intention of repeating anything similar beyond Lewis.
“This is, you know, his job. He’s a very funny guy, but I’m never going to do this. And throw a cup into the crowd, or worse, I’m not going to do these I’m not going to do that for sure.”
Nascimento has eight of his 11 career wins, his last three coming by decision. He is currently on a three-fight win streak, including a knockout win over Alan Beaudot, which was overturned to a no-contest after failing a drug test. Meanwhile, Ruiz is 1-4 in his last five fights, with his only victory coming by knockout over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291 in July 2023.
