The Fighting Nerd stormed onto the UFC scene looking like the next big wave in MMA. Led by Pablo Sucupira, the Brazilian-based gym leaned on AI, data analytics, and a tech-heavy approach to mold prospects into future champions. With the UFC spotlight focused on Russian and Dagestani fighters, the Brazilians positioned themselves as the answer – an elite group ready to bring Pan-American glory. They rolled in with four blue-chip names: Mauricio Ruffy, Carlos Prates, Jean Silva, and Caio Borhallo.

All undefeated. All hyped – with the expectation that they would dominate. At first, they did. They racked up flashy finishes, showcased unique styles, and delivered highlight reel moments. By early 2025, they stood at a combined 19-0 inside the Octagon. But then, starting from second quarter of 2025, the losses began to pile up. Carlos Prates stumbled first, losing a decision to Ian Garry in April. At UFC Paris, Caio Borralho and Mauricio Ruffy – featured in the main and co-main – both took their first UFC losses. The final nail in the coffin came at UFC Noche, where Jean Silva suffered a second-round TKO loss to Diego Lopes. And what does their coach have to say about it all?

Fighting Nerds coach pushes unity after tough UFC run

In the aftermath, critics pounced. They branded the gym’s stars “frauds,” pointing to personal habits and mental lapses – Prates’ smoking, and Silva’s instability – as evidence. Suddenly, they framed the hype as smoke and mirrors. Almost overnight, the narrative shifted from “next big thing” to “overhyped.” Yet head coach Pablo Sucupira refused to stay silent. In a recent AG Fight interview, he fired back: “I’ve been talking a lot with the athletes – there were many, many taboos we never discussed, and now we’ve started talking. The loss also opened a space for us to let our guard down a little. Basically, I think this is also the world’s expectation: to see whether we’ll come together or break apart.”

“So, more than being right, more than pointing out mistakes or blaming anyone, now it’s about gathering the team. My main job is to unite the team, make sure everyone knows that it’s us together against anyone who fights us, to know that we have to support each other, run for each other, help each other, and that’s how we’ll move forward.”

Among the four horsemen of team Fighting Nerds, only the welterweight prospect, Carlos Prates, was able to bounce back with a stunning first-round KO finish over Geoff Neal at UFC 319. Still, that comeback wasn’t enough to remove the stain of doubt that has now been cast over the Brazilian team. So what went wrong? What was the reason the Fighting Nerds stumbled like dominoes? A former UFC welterweight champion has a unique perspective.

Kamaru Usman reveals reason behind the Fighting Nerds’ recent losses

Kamaru Usman seems to have spotted the hole in the Fighting Nerds’ game, and it’s not got to do with their striking, cardio or fight IQ. When they broke into the scene, the Brazil-based squad once looked unstoppable: four prospects, all undefeated, all carrying serious hype. However, in just a few months their aura of invincibility crumbled. Ian Machado Garry planted Carlos Prates to the mat four times in April.

Meanwhile, Nassourdine Imavov stuffed all five of Caio Borralho’s takedown attempts in Paris. At the same time, Benoit Saint Denis wrapped up Mauricio Ruffy and submitted him. Then, at Noche UFC, Diego Lopes dominated Jean Silva on the ground before knocking him out in Round 2. Different fighters, different nights, same problem: none of them could win the grappling exchanges. According to Usman, that has to change.

“They have an incredible team, I think they could add to that team, and that’s probably someone to work on the wrestling,” Usman said on his Pound 4 Pound podcast. “Having that wrestling background is something Caio Borralho could have utilized in getting those takedowns in that fight, which I think could have potentially helped him and blew that fight away. With Carlos Prates, the fight that he did lose to Ian Garry, of course Ian was really good at just moving away and then maybe drop down and get a takedown, control him.”

Usman’s critique hits a nerve. What’s your take on Usman’s assessment? Do the Fighting Nerds need to shore up their wrestling, or is this just a natural dip as they face tougher competition? Share your thoughts below.