Before Formula 1 action resumes this weekend in Brazil, Daniel Ricciardo is having the best time off the track. On Sunday he was cheering for his NFL team Buffalo Bills against the New York Jets. Now a video shows him taking some sparring lessons with UFC star Charles Oliveira.

Daniel Ricciardo decided to take a year off from Formula 1 after a series of underwhelming performances with McLaren in the last two years. Despite his commitment to stay off and come back in 2024, he has stayed in touch with Mercedes for a reserve driver role, some reports suggest. Until then, he has 2 races to contribute to the team’s points tally and help them pip Alpine for the 4th position in the constructors’ standings.

Daniel Ricciardo and Charles do Bronx had some fun in the ring

Before the two started the training, they had some stare-down photos taken. Ricciardo being the ever-so-smiling person, couldn’t hold the laugh for too long. The Honey Badger looked concentrated when throwing hands at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Fans loved watching their two favorite athletes hitting it off in the ring.

Even McLaren couldn’t stop from playfully mocking their driver’s lack of poker face skills. The team posted the video on Instagram captioned: That face-off definitely needs work, @DanielRicciardo. [Laughing emoji] @charlesdobronxs #UFC.

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Have a look at some fan reactions from Twitter.

One fan urged Dana White to sign Daniel for the roster.

“Shame on You”: Fans Unleash Vicious Verbal Attack on Daniel Ricciardo After the Mafias Get Whacked

And there were obviously some fans who criticized his technique.

Ricciardo’s love for combat sports is not a newfound hobby though. In one of his earlier interviews, he talked about being open to trying his hand at MMA once his career in F1 is over.

Daniel Ricciardo revealed his MMA plans post-F1 career

Ricciardo appeared in an Instagram Live interview with British sports presenter Layla Anna-Lee in 2020. In the interview, he talked about his love for combat sports.

Talking about taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons briefly, he said, “I did it for about probably six months and then I was like I’ll put it on hold till probably after my racing career.” The Aussie continued, “I’ve always loved I guess combat sports.” 

“As a kid growing up, one of my best friends was like an amateur boxer, so I did a little bit of boxing just to like stay fit as a kid”

Watch This Story: Struggling ‘Honey Badger’ Daniel Ricciardo Once Dominated the Streets of Azerbaijan in Glorious 2017

Ricciardo is currently sitting in 12th in the drivers’ standings with 35 points under his belt. At the very least he will try to beat Sebastian Vettel who is one place above him with just a single point separating the two.