Davi Ramos: Fight with Sergio Moraes is the greatest grappling match-up in UFC history

FORTALEZA, Brazil — Davi Ramos will make his UFC debut Saturday night against Sergio Moraes, and he believes that his fight will make history.

Ramos, who originally fights in the lightweight division, is a multiple time champion in jiu-jitsu and the 2015 ADCC gold medalist. Ramos is moving up to 170 pounds to replace injured Max Griffin on short notice at UFC Fight Night 106, and welcomes a grappling contest with his fellow BJJ world champion.

“This time it’s two guys with excellent jiu-jitsu, so I believe this will be a great jiu-jitsu show for everyone, which I think is cool,” Ramos said. “We usually face different styles in MMA fights, so facing someone with a style similar as yours will be really cool.”

In fact, based on their credentials in pure jiu-jitsu and grappling competition, Ramos believes that his fight in Fortaleza is the greatest match-up between grapplers in the history of the UFC.

“No doubt about it,” Ramos said. “I haven’t seen two jiu-jitsu world champions competing (against each other) in the UFC. I believe it will be an excellent fight.”

Ramos has competed more often in jiu-jitsu than Moraes, who signed with the UFC after competing at the first edition of The Ultimate Fighter in Brazil, and believes that’s the reason why his jiu-jitsu skills are better.

“I see this fight ending with me submitting him in any way,” Ramos said. “That's my style. I don’t have a pre-determined style. I can finish with heel hooks, armbars, neck chokes. I’m an athlete with a lot of options, and that’s what I’m looking for."

“'Serginho' is a fantastic fighter, he had a great career in jiu-jitsu and is doing his career in MMA now,” he continued. “I definitely see myself better than him everywhere, in jiu-jitsu and standing."

The UFC newcomer plans on cutting down to 155 pounds after UFC Fight Night 106, and won’t stop competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments.

“That's the biggest mistake jiu-jitsu athletes make, in my opinion, because they stop competing in jiu-jitsu,” Ramos said. “I don’t plan on leaving jiu-jitsu, especially because I want to keep my jiu-jitsu better than everyone’s in the UFC."