Ribovics Ready For Top After Green Stoppage

Esteban Ribovics wants another shot at the lightweight elite after his first-round stoppage of King Green at UFC 332.

The Argentine prospect needed just one frame to finish the veteran in Salt Lake City, landing an uppercut that dropped Green and forcing a referee stoppage. The win pushed Ribovics to 17-3 overall and bounced him back from his submission loss to Mateusz Gamrot earlier this year.

Ribovics told reporters at the post-fight press conference that the Gamrot setback changed his approach to the sport. "I got the opportunity. I failed, but that fight made a click in my life, and it made me more professional," he said, per MMA Junkie. "I'm ready for any name at the top. I'm ready to prove I belong there."

The 28-year-old said his corner wanted him to push the pace, but he trusted his own read. He felt confident once Green's punches landed. "He does hit precisely, though. He has like a scope on his hand, but doesn't hit hard," Ribovics said. "That gave me confidence to move forward and look for the KO."

Ribovics now owns back-to-back finishes after stopping Edson Barboza before the Gamrot fight. He told BJPenn.com he won't call out specific opponents but made clear he wants ranked competition next.