Who Are the UFC’s Fighting Nerds? The Team Changing MMA’s Narrative
By Ali Hammad April 28, 2025 21:15
In a sport where toughness and bravado have long been the norm, a Brazilian team called the Fighting Nerds is rewriting the script-and winning big in the process. Founded in 2014 in São Paulo by Caio Borralho and coach Pablo Sucupira, the Fighting Nerds have emerged as one of the UFC’s most successful and distinctive teams, blending data-driven strategy with unapologetic “nerd” pride. Their meteoric rise and unique culture are making them the most talked-about collective in mixed martial arts today.
Origins: Brains Over Brawn
The Fighting Nerds’ story began when Borralho, a math and chemistry tutor with a love for learning, met Sucupira, a former copywriter known for his wild ideas and analytical approach. Rejecting the sport’s typical “street cred” narrative, the duo built their gym from scratch, painting the walls and installing the ring themselves. Their vision was clear: to show that intelligence and preparation could be as important as brute force.
“We always see the same thing; it’s always the bullies,” Sucupira told UFC.com. “This time we are showing that the guys who were bullied can be champions also. It’s a different narrative.” The team’s signature look-lens-less black plastic glasses with tape over the nose-became a symbol of their philosophy: fighting is a problem to be solved, and smart fighters can thrive in the cage.
A Data-Driven Approach
What truly sets the Fighting Nerds apart is their analytical mindset. Sucupira’s coaching treats every fight as a puzzle, with gameplans tailored to each opponent. The team even employs data scientists to break down fight footage and identify patterns, a tactic that has drawn praise from UFC commentators like Joe Rogan. “They are a group of true competitors,” Rogan said, noting how their preparation gives them an edge in high-stakes bouts.
This approach is more than just branding-it’s producing results. The team studies fights together, offers English and public speaking classes, and encourages members to think critically about every aspect of their craft. “Fighting is a problem needing to be solved,” Borralho says, and the team’s record proves he’s right.
UFC Success: The Nerds Take Over
The Fighting Nerds’ breakout year came in 2024, when Borralho (now 17-1-0 in the UFC) and teammates Carlos Prates, Jean Silva, and Mauricio Ruffy all racked up impressive wins. Borralho, who earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, has become a middleweight contender with a blend of precise striking and high fight IQ. His recent five-round decision over Jared Cannonier and a string of dominant performances have made him a fan favorite.
Jean Silva, another standout, is undefeated in the UFC with a 5-0 record, four knockouts, and a recent submission win over Bryce Mitchell that earned him his third straight performance bonus. “Jean is an exceptional fighter; he possesses the qualities of a world champion,” said Joe Rogan after Silva’s UFC 314 victory. Silva’s confidence and technical prowess have propelled him to No. 11 in the featherweight rankings, and he’s already calling for a future title shot.
Mauricio Ruffy, meanwhile, has started his UFC career 3-0, with two knockouts and a pair of performance bonuses. The team’s collective UFC record stands at a remarkable 24-0, with 16 wins by stoppage-a testament to both their preparation and execution.
Changing the Narrative
Beyond the Octagon, the Fighting Nerds are changing perceptions. Their success is proof that “nerds” can be champions, inspiring fans who see themselves in the team’s story. “Even if a nerd can be an MMA champion, I can do it, also,” Sucupira said, reflecting on the team’s broad appeal.
Their influence is growing, too: in March 2025, Maurício Ruffy announced the team would expand to the United States, opening a branch in New Hampshire. The Fighting Nerds were also named “Gym of the Year” in 2024, cementing their place at the sport’s cutting edge.
The Future of Smart Fighting
The Fighting Nerds aren’t just a gimmick-they’re a movement. By embracing intelligence, preparation, and authenticity, they’ve become one of the UFC’s most successful and respected teams. As their fighters continue to climb the rankings and challenge for titles, one thing is clear: in today’s UFC, brains and heart are just as important as brawn. And the Fighting Nerds are leading the way.
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