Lerryan Douglas gains confidence training with Marco Ruas ahead of UFC Sacramento
The Brazilian featherweight says the UFC legend's direct approach and approval during camp gave him extra confidence for his fight against Jamall Emmers.
After making his UFC debut in March with a first-round knockout victory over Julian Erosa, Lerryan Douglas is ready to face Jamall Emmers this Saturday at UFC Sacramento. Ahead of his second promotional appearance, the Brazilian revealed that he spent part of his training camp working with former UFC tournament winner and MMA legend Marco Ruas.
According to Douglas, training with Ruas provided not only valuable technical experience but also reassurance that he is ready for the challenge ahead.
Lerryan Douglas Training with Marco Ruas
Ruas is considered one of the pioneers of modern mixed martial arts, gaining recognition for combining techniques from different martial arts at a time when many fighters still relied primarily on a single discipline. "The King of the Streets" won the UFC 7 tournament and also competed for organizations such as PRIDE Fighting Championships and World Vale Tudo Championship.
Always looking to learn from more experienced fighters, Douglas said he had several training sessions with Ruas while preparing for Emmers. Speaking to MMA Fighting, the Brazilian described the experience as valuable and revealed that the MMA legend gave him a simple message after working with him.
"I'm always training, trying to get as much experience as possible from the veterans, from the real fighters," Douglas said. "It's been an incredible experience. I did several training sessions with him for this fight. He said, 'Brother, you're ready. You're ready. Let's beat the hell out of this guy.'"
Marco Ruas' Honesty Boosts Lerryan Douglas' Confidence
For Douglas, however, the value of working with Ruas goes beyond learning techniques from one of MMA's pioneers. The Brazilian said he appreciates the veteran's old-school and straightforward approach, believing Ruas would have no problem telling him if he was not properly prepared.
"Just being able to train with the guy, talk to him, have him show me some techniques and different ways to do things, all of that is already extremely valuable to me," Douglas said. "Just being around him, training with him, gives you that extra motivation. The legend, Marco, is telling me I'm ready, brother, there's no way I can't be. And if you're not ready, the guy is going to tell you. There's none of that with Marco. [...] If he says I'm good, I'm ready, then I'm ready."
Douglas will now look to carry that confidence into the Octagon when he faces Emmers at UFC Sacramento.
