Mauricio Ruffy delivered the biggest win of his career Sunday night, stopping Michael Chandler with a devastating first-round knockout at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C.
Spinning kick ends Chandler’s night
Chandler tried to close the distance and bring his wrestling into play early, but Ruffy controlled the range with sharp strikes and solid defense.
The turning point came when Ruffy landed a spinning wheel kick that rocked Chandler. After staying patient, the Brazilian connected with another spinning wheel kick moments later, sending Chandler to the canvas before finishing the fight with follow-up punches.
Ruffy rises, Chandler falls
The victory improved Ruffy’s record to 14-2 and marked his 13th knockout win.
Meanwhile, Chandler suffered his fourth straight defeat. The former Bellator champion has not won since his knockout victory over Tony Ferguson in 2022.
In a heartwarming moment, Ruffy celebrated by proposing to his longtime girlfriend inside the Octagon.
She said yes.