After Jean Silva’s recent success in the octagon for Fighting Nerds, featherweight Ricardo Ramos is set to represent the team in his upcoming fight.
Ramos will fight Chepe Mariscal this Saturday at UFC Vegas 103. He aims to continue his winning momentum after defeating Josh Culibao in August 2024. Ramos explained his move to Pablo Sucupira’s Fighting Nerds team after previously training with Team Alpha Male in California.
Ramos stated that his decision to switch teams was driven by family reasons, particularly his daughter. While he enjoyed his time in the US, he and his family chose to remain in Sao Paulo.
Ramos mentioned that he discussed the move with Team Alpha Male coaches and maintains a positive relationship with them. He intends to train full-time in Sao Paulo. His training camp for the Mariscal fight was his first with Fighting Nerds, requiring him to commute daily from Campinas to Sao Paulo.
Ramos expressed that he is still adjusting to the new team but had a successful training camp. He praised the team’s high energy and his enjoyment of training with them. He is also contributing to the team and is optimistic about achieving a significant victory with his new team.
Ramos’s opponent, Chepe Mariscal, had a lengthy amateur career before turning professional in 2014. Mariscal has a professional record of 13-6 and is currently undefeated in the UFC, with three decision wins out of four fights. Ramos anticipates an exciting fight at the UFC APEX.
Ramos described Mariscal as a “chaotic” fighter who is aggressive and tries to draw opponents into a brawl. Ramos noted Mariscal’s good cardio and physical strength, as well as his diverse skillset including takedowns, submissions, and knockouts, although he often goes to decision in the UFC. Ramos emphasizes the need to control Mariscal’s attacks.
Ramos has a UFC record of 8-5 with several finishes. During a seven-month break from the octagon to recover from leg injuries sustained in the Culibao fight, he remained active in jiu-jitsu competitions. With improved jiu-jitsu skills, Ramos believes he has another avenue to victory in Las Vegas.
Ramos believes a knockout is likely because Mariscal will provide striking opportunities. While acknowledging Mariscal’s strong defensive jiu-jitsu and never being submitted, Ramos observes that Mariscal sometimes gets into vulnerable positions. Ramos plans to capitalize on any submission opportunities but will not overcommit and risk energy in scrambles, emphasizing the importance of seizing openings.
