Mauricio Ruffy Named Official Backup for UFC 329 Main Event

Mauricio Ruffy will weigh in Friday as the official backup for UFC 329, stepping in if either Conor McGregor or Max Holloway withdraws from their welterweight main event.

MMA Mania reports that the UFC contacted Ruffy during his vacation and asked him to fly to Las Vegas this week. The Brazilian lightweight posted on Instagram that he would be ready if needed. In a video clip, Ruffy stepped on a scale at 185.6 pounds, roughly 15 pounds above the 170-pound limit for Saturday's bout at T-Mobile Arena.

Ruffy Discusses Potential Matchups With McGregor and Holloway

Ruffy said he likes his chances against either headliner. "Me against Conor McGregor, I believe it would be a very good fight," he said in the Instagram video, per the report. "I believe a fight I would make easier by the fact of rhythm and everything else, right? And against Max Holloway, I believe in my knockout power. He's a guy that doesn't seek to play forward there all the time, but I go there to define the fights and I don't miss my chances."

The 26-year-old stopped Michael Chandler at UFC White House last month and has won three straight inside the octagon. McGregor has not competed since withdrawing from UFC 303 in June 2024 with a broken toe. His last fight came five years ago.

UFC 329 takes place July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Official weigh-ins are scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Ruffy to serve as backup for UFC 329 Holloway vs. McGregor back-up | MMA Mania