Just when UFC 315 appeared to be losing some of its impact, a couple of fighters stepped forward with great timing. Joel Alvarez‘s last-minute injury threw a hiccup in the main event, leaving Benoit Saint-Denis without an opponent only days before fight night. That kind of chaos could easily derail an event this close to the bell, yet opportunities do arise when you least expect them. On this occasion, two hungry candidates are banging on Dana White‘s door, begging him to let them in.

Mateusz Rebecki did not waste time. He sent Dana White and the UFC a short but unambiguous message on X: “I’m ready to step in. Let’s go, I’m in Miami with ATT on weight. Let’s do this, UFC 315.” This isn’t simply someone looking for clout; this is a fighter who is committed, has already made weight, and trains at one of the world’s greatest gyms. Rebecki notices the opportunity and wants it strongly. In a sport that punishes hesitation, he’s doing the opposite—throwing himself into the flames and hoping Dana White notices.

But he isn’t the only one knocking. Mauricio Ruffy also threw his hat into the ring, and while his post was intended more for a Fight Night headliner, the timing speaks for itself. Ruffy is riding high after a highlight-reel head kick knockout at UFC 313. And with Saint-Denis in limbo, unclear whether he’ll fight at all this weekend, Ruffy’s name becomes increasingly crucial. He may be undefeated in the UFC, but he now wants to prove that he belongs in the big conversations as well.

The key question right now is what UFC CEO Dana White does. UFC 315 still includes some big-money fights, but losing a high-action bout like Saint-Denis vs. Alvarez could chip away at the night’s overall appeal. Rebecki is ready. Ruffy is eager. What about the fans? They simply want to witness some action. It is now up to the UFC brass to decide who gets the call and whether the card remains packed or suffers a blow.

In any case, one thing is certain: the program must—and most likely will—continue. At least that is what Mateusz Rebecki and Mauricio Ruffy would want. Especially Ruffy, who wants to climb the ranks as soon as possible to avenge none other than Conor McGregor.

Marucio Ruffy reveals the motivation behind climbing UFC ranks

So, as the UFC brass considers their options, Mauricio Ruffy is doing more than simply throwing his name into the mix; he’s outlining his goal. He’s not just looking for a last-minute brawl or extra bonus; this man is moving with intent. Ruffy wants Benoit Saint-Denis not just because it’s a good matchup, but also because it is a stepping stone to something much more personal. He wants revenge—not for himself, but for Conor McGregor. And if Dana White is listening, that story almost writes itself.

Ruffy has never hidden his affection for McGregor. He doesn’t just copy his style; he wears the Irishman’s battling spirit like a badge of honor. There’s something raw and poetic about a fighter climbing through the ranks with the ultimate objective of defeating Islam Makhachev—just to settle an old score with someone he’s admired for years. He’s already committed to recruiting ‘The Notorious’ to his side when the time comes, transforming his own goal into a shared war.

“When I’m ready to fight Islam Makhachev, when I go to fight him, I want to invite Conor McGregor to be in my corner so it’s us against the Russians,” he said, and in a division full of assassins, that type of emotional drive isn’t something you can teach.

And, while the comparisons to the Irishman continue—from the crisp striking to the confidence that radiates from the screen—Ruffy isn’t attempting to be the next Conor McGregor. He’s trying to finish what ‘The Notorious’ started. Whether or not Dana White gives him the Saint-Denis fight at UFC 315, one thing is clear: Ruffy’s rise through the lightweight class is more than simply titles and bonuses. It is about legacy. What do you think? Do you see Mauricio Ruffy successfully avenging McGregor’s loss to Team Dagestan? Let us know in the comments.