Mauricio Ruffy proposes to girlfriend at White House after brutal KO victory at UFC Freedom 250

WASHINGTON, DC: Mauricio Ruffy turned one of the biggest nights of his career into a life-changing moment when he proposed to his longtime girlfriend moments after winning at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House grounds on Sunday, June 14.

The Brazilian lightweight got down on one knee during his post-fight interview after defeating former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, asking his girlfriend, Nadine, to marry him. The emotional proposal drew cheers from the crowd and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the historic UFC event.

Ruffy pops the question

After celebrating his victory inside the octagon, Ruffy took the microphone and shared the story behind his proposal.

Speaking through a translator during an interview with Joe Rogan, the 29-year-old said he had wanted to ask Nadine to marry him for years but previously 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,” Ruffy said. “But we didn’t have the money and didn’t have the conditions. So now, what better place to ask my wife to get married.”

He then turned toward Nadine and asked, “Nadine, I love you. Will you marry me since we’re right here in the White House?”

Rogan later confirmed that Nadine had accepted the proposal with a thumbs up, sparking celebrations inside the venue.

Perfect ending to victory

The proposal came just minutes after Ruffy earned a statement victory over Michael Chandler.

The Brazilian stopped the former Bellator champion in the first round, adding another highlight-reel finish to his growing UFC résumé. The win strengthened his case for a future lightweight title shot and marked one of the biggest victories of his professional career.

Speaking after the bout, Ruffy made clear that he believes he is ready for the next step.

“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.” 

The engagement added a personal touch to an event already making history as the UFC's first major card staged on the White House grounds.

While Ruffy's knockout win over Chandler was among the night's standout sporting moments, it was his proposal to Nadine that left fans talking after the event ended.

The Brazilian left Washington with more than a victory, securing both a career-defining win and a fiancée on one unforgettable night.