By Steven Marrocco and Fernanda Prates | May 14, 2018 8:30 am

RIO DE JANEIRO – The obvious answer is that Khabib Nurmagomedov holds the UFC lightweight title.

For up-and-comer Davi Ramos (8-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC), though, it’s also the belief that he holds the key to beating “The Eagle.”

Many a lightweight has been dominated by the current champ. But Ramos insists he’s the exception, and so he’s stating his case.

“I’m a jiu-jitsu guy, and he’s a wrestler, so of course he’s going to try and take me down,” he told MMAjunkie backstage on Saturday after his FX-televised win over Nick Hein (14-3-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro. “I would enjoy it if he took me down.”

With Hein still reeling from his first submission loss, Ramos called his shot on TV, asking to fight “The Eagle.”

As Ramos explained, he knows it’s a big ask. He’s a decorated jiu-jitsu player and a relative newcomer in the world of MMA. Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, is at the top of the sport.

Ramos is still adamant that, given the chance, he could shock the world.

“I know he’s very good, and he’s another level, and I have a lot of things to improve. But I’m coming. I know I’m much better than him in standup, and my jiu-jitsu and my wrestling can compete with him.”

With no less than former middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva giving him pointers, and legends Rodrigo and Rogerio Nogueira kicking him out of the gym because he trains so hard, Ramos believes the environment is right to shape him into a world champion.

“I have a lot to show my best, but I’m really confident fighting him, and at any time,” he said.

For complete coverage of UFC 224, check out the UFC Events section of the site.