Lerryan Douglas draws inspiration from vale tudo legend Marco Ruas ahead of UFC Sacramento return

Lerryan Douglas steps into the UFC octagon for the second time this Saturday in Sacramento, taking on Jamall Emmers at featherweight off the back of a brutal debut knockout of Julian Erosa in March — and he is doing so with the blessing of one of MMA’s founding legends.

Marco Ruas, the 65-year-old vale tudo icon who won the UFC 7 one-night tournament in September 1995, has been sharing the mat with Douglas during his camp in California. Ruas is a longtime friend of Douglas’ manager and his family, and the Brazilian prospect — born just five months after Ruas defeated Paul Varelans, Remco Pardoel and Larry Cureton in that single night — describes the experience as transformative.

“I’m always training, trying to get as much experience as possible from the veterans, from the real fighters,” Douglas told MMA Fighting. “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.’”

For Douglas, the value of working with Ruas goes beyond technique. He appreciates the old-school honesty that comes with it — no ego protection, no sugarcoating.

“Just being around him, training with him, gives you that extra motivation,” Douglas said. “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. With Marco, that’s how it has to be. If you’re not in good shape, if you’re not doing well, he’s going to tell you. For me, that’s good for my confidence. If he says I’m good, I’m ready, then I’m ready.”

Ruas last competed under MMA rules in 2007, returning from a six-year hiatus for a rematch with Maurice Smith in the IFL. Known as “The King of the Streets,” he was one of the dominant figures in the vale tudo scene throughout the 1980s and 1990s, competing across World Vale Tudo, UFC and PRIDE.

Douglas, now 31, has been a professional fighter since the age of 18 and is aware that his debut performance has raised expectations among Brazilian fans. His opponent Emmers enters the contest on a two-fight winning streak in 2025, having beaten Gabriel Miranda and Hyder Amil, and is making his tenth octagon appearance.

“The guys are putting me up there, but I also know where I really stand,” Douglas said. “I’ve only had one fight in the UFC, but I’ve been fighting for a long time. It’s been a long journey. Having people put me up there with those guys is cool for me — I enjoy that. I’m ready to embrace any opportunity.”