Esteban Ribovics wants higher-ranked opponent after UFC 332 win

Esteban Ribovics wants an opportunity to face a higher-ranked opponent after his UFC 332 victory over King Green. The Argentine scored a first-round TKO over the veteran lightweight on Saturday and said he is ready to take on anyone ranked above him.

Ribovics previously had an opportunity to break into the lightweight rankings when he faced Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 327 in April. However, the Argentine was submitted by the Polish fighter.

Esteban Ribovics Wants a Higher-Ranked Opponent

Rather than calling out a specific opponent, Ribovics said he is ready to face anyone ranked above him. The 30-year-old believes his loss to Gamrot helped him mature as a fighter and prepared him for another opportunity against a higher-ranked opponent.

"I don't like to call out names," Ribovics said at the UFC 332 post-fight press conference. "All I want is an opportunity again to get into the top. I got the opportunity. I failed, but that fight made a click in my life, and it made me more professional. I'm ready for any name at the top. I'm ready to prove I belong there."

The victory over Green marked Ribovics' second straight win after his loss to Gamrot. The Argentine improved his professional record to 17-3.

Esteban Ribovics Explains Strategy Against King Green

Ribovics also explained how he approached Green's striking. The Argentine said his corner warned him about Green's tendency to duck his head when throwing uppercuts, but he ultimately decided to remain patient rather than immediately increase the pace.

"We studied him a lot," Ribovics said. "I was listening to my corner, who were telling me that when he ducks his head to throw the uppercuts. They wanted me to pick up the pace, but something inside of me told me to stay calm."

Ribovics then revealed that he gained confidence after realizing Green's punches did not carry as much power as he expected. Although the Argentine acknowledged Green's precision, he felt comfortable moving forward and looking for the finish.

"I got confidence when I felt he didn't hit that hard," Ribovics said. "He does hit precisely, though. He has like a scope on his hand, but doesn't hit hard. That gave me confidence to move forward and look for the KO."

The victory over Green moved Ribovics into the rankings, and he now sits at No. 15 in the lightweight division. The Argentine will look to keep his momentum going as he targets a higher-ranked opponent in the weight class.