Brazilian UFC lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy used one of the biggest moments of his career to declare Jesus Christ as Lord before a national audience after scoring a stunning first-round knockout victory over former title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday.
Competing on the South Lawn of the White House during the historic UFC event, Ruffy stopped Chandler in the opening round before turning his attention away from fighting and toward faith.
Quoting John 3:16 during his post-fight interview, the 29-year-old Brazilian shared a Gospel message with those in attendance and the millions watching around the world.
“‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,’” Ruffy said. “Jesus saved my life; he wants to save your life, too. Give your life to Jesus.”
Following the win, Ruffy also celebrated on social media: “Jesus completely changed my story, and He has His arms open to transform yours too. Our greatest victory is not achieved by our own strength, but when we let Him take control of everything,” he wrote in Portuguese.
“The victory at the White House was very special, but the main message I want to share with you today is something else. Surrender your life to Jesus.”
Everyone STOP SCROLLING and listen to this…
UFC fighter Mauricio Ruffy declares Jesus Christ as Lord in front of the entire country following his huge win.
“Jesus saved my life, he wants to save your life too. Give your life to Jesus”
What a powerful moment. pic.twitter.com/7LodKE3uoZ
— Jack (@jackunheard) June 15, 2026
Chandler, one of the UFC’s most respected veterans, attempted to neutralize the Brazilian’s offense through movement and wrestling threats, but Ruffy consistently found openings with his length and speed, CBS Sports reported.
A series of jabs, spinning attacks and punishing body shots gradually wore Chandler down before Ruffy unleashed a finishing sequence late in the first round.
After hurting Chandler with a spinning heel kick and uppercuts, Ruffy swarmed his opponent with punches as the former Bellator champion covered up on the ground. The referee stepped in at the 4:29 mark of Round 1, giving Ruffy a decisive knockout victory over one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
“I’m very happy with this performance, this win,” Ruffy said through a translator. “I’ve been training so much to be the champion of this division. I want to be the champion. I do believe I am next up for the title shot.”
After the win, Ruffy proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Nadine, through the cage. The fighter revealed that he had once hoped to propose but lacked the financial means to do so.
“A while ago, when I met my wife, Nadine, I really wanted to ask her to marry me, but I didn’t have the money,” he said. “And now, what better place to ask my wife to get married.”
Turning toward her, he added, “Nadine, I love you. Would you marry me since we’re right here at the White House?”
The UFC fight on Sunday was held on the White House grounds as part of programming for America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Trump watched the matches from a cage-side seat on the South Lawn, sitting between first lady Melania Trump and UFC CEO Dana White.
“This event was for America’s 250th birthday. There was no political agenda,” White said at a post-fight press conference surrounded by many of the night’s fighters. “I believe that if you are an American, no matter where you sit politically, tonight was just a proud night.”
“Hopefully, we created some unity in the country and in the world and brought in some new fans,” he said.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
