With a three-fight winning streak under his belt, Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Davi Ramos isn’t lacking confidence.
“I see my career as being on an upswing at the moment,” Ramos told MMA Junkie in his native Portuguese. “I’m coming off three wins. For my first UFC bout, I was booked on a week’s notice. I didn’t have time to train. It went to decision. I felt I actually won, but the judges saw it differently. I came back to my normal weight class and scored three wins against good opponents. I beat Nick Hein in Brazil by submission. I also submitted John Gunther, as well as Chris Gruetzemacher, who went on to defeat Joe Lauzon after that. I see myself improving within the organization.”
It’s hard to argue Ramos’ claims.
After moving up to welterweight for his promotional debut against Sergio Moraes, Ramos has settled back down to his more natural division at lightweight. The result? Three straight submission wins, including his past two wins, which came in the first round.
Ramos admits he’s not much for big talk but believes his confidence is well-founded based on his efforts.
“I don’t like trashtalk,” Ramos said. “One of the main principles of martial arts is respect. Of course, I understand that fights have to be promoted in the best way possible. All I can say is that I can submit anyone who is currently in the UFC. I best represent what my art is by being respectful while still chasing victory.”
On Saturday, Ramos (9-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) returns to action against Austin Hubbard (10-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) on the main card of UFC on ESPN+ 10, which takes place Saturday at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, N.Y. The card streams on ESPN+.
Hubbard is a UFC newcomer, but Ramos said he’s certainly not underestimating his opponent’s potential.
“We always study our opponents to formulate the best fight strategy, and to decide in which round I should put my game into action so I can be victorious,” Ramos said. “I feel that he’s a very good athlete. He comes from wrestling and has reasonable wrestling, striking, and jiu-jitsu skills. He just joined in the UFC from a good promotion which has provided a lot of talent to the UFC – the LFA. I also fought for them, when it was the RFA. Even if this is his first bout in the UFC, he’s shown that he’s ready to be among us. I’ll face him as any other good opponent.”
A fourth straight win would certainly help Ramos’ standing in the incredibly deep lightweight division. If it happens to be his fourth straight submission, as well, it will certainly attract even more attention.
That’s Ramos’ plan for Saturday, though his ultimate goal lies much higher.
“My plan is to fight as often as possible this year, so by next year I can get close to the belt,” Ramos said. “That’s my focus. I won’t stop until I get there.
“Whoever holds the belt is my current target.”
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