The Fighting Nerds, an MMA team founded by Pablo Sucupira in São Paulo, have achieved significant success in the UFC with fighters like Caio Borralho and Jean Silva maintaining undefeated records, while the team’s unique approach and coaching under veterans like Flavio Alvaro aim to secure multiple championship belts despite their current accolades.
SÃO PAULO — Picture this: from the intimate setting of UFC APEX to the grandeur of Madison Square Garden, with only a handful of spectators or high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk in attendance. The Fighting Nerds are turning heads in the MMA world with their jaw-dropping performances inside the octagon.
And guess what? They’re not hitting the brakes anytime soon.
With an impressive 18-0 record under the UFC banner, fighters Caio Borralho, Mauricio Ruffy, Carlos Prates, and Jean Silva are on a roll. Silva is gearing up for a clash with Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314. Meanwhile, Prates is set to headline UFC Kansas City against Ian Machado Garry. Borralho is eagerly awaiting his next bout to solidify his status as the top middleweight contender, while Ruffy takes a breather after his Knockout of the Year-worthy finish against King Green at UFC 313.
But who exactly are these bespectacled warriors leading the charge?
Enter Pablo Sucupira, the brain behind it all. A seasoned Muay Thai fighter and boxer, Sucupira became disillusioned with the striking business in Brazil and abroad. It was MMA’s platform, particularly through the UFC, that sparked his vision for something greater.
In São Paulo, he established Combat Club and began coaching fighters. Everything shifted when a promising young talent from Maranhão walked in.
“Caio Borralho came to São Paulo in 2014,” Sucupira recalls. “From our first training session, our team got stronger. We left boxing and Muay Thai behind and focused solely on MMA.”
Borralho was the first of the Fighting Nerds to make waves in MMA. He earned a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. Realizing they needed more support, Ruffy suggested adding Flavio Alvaro to their coaching roster—a veteran with 60 pro MMA fights under his belt.
Alvaro shared his unique approach to takedowns, which instantly resonated with Sucupira. However, Alvaro’s salary demands were beyond their early-stage budget.
“I’m a fan, but we just can’t afford that,” Sucupira admitted. “But I believe we can create something unbeatable together.”
Alvaro drove home but called back the next day.
“Pablo,” he said over the phone, “I’m in. I don’t need payment; I want to be part of what you’re building.”
Thus, Combat Club transformed into Fighting Nerds—Borralho went on to secure two wins on DWCS and earn a UFC contract.
“I’m the brain; Mota is the heart; Flavio… he’s the balls,” Sucupira chuckled. “I quit marketing for fighting because I wanted something that truly represented us.”
Alvaro retired from fighting in 2017 after winning 49 out of 60 bouts and battling future UFC stars. He reached his peak in 2007 during Rio Heroes’ brutal underground tournaments.
“When you think ‘nerd,’ it’s not me that comes to mind,” Alvaro grinned. “I’m more like Lex Luthor—a smart villain if this was a comic book.”
“I’ve always embraced challenges,” he continued. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about inflicting damage and punishment.”
Each Fighting Nerd has their style. Borralho boasts a dominant 7-0 UFC record with strategic victories. Silva and Prates bring sheer violence with knockout prowess, while Ruffy is pure artistry in motion.
“I aim to enhance their strengths without imposing my views,” Alvaro explains.
Their success has garnered accolades as 2024’s best MMA team, but Alvaro feels there’s more to achieve.
“We need a belt for lasting recognition,” he says. “Like legendary teams Greg Jackson or Chute Boxe—belts elevate status.”
Yet, Fighting Nerds have become a concept proving intelligence can triumph in combat sports.
Sucupira dreams of claiming a UFC title but sees it as just another milestone. Watching his project flourish feels surreal yet unfinished.
“I embrace this pressure,” Sucupira shares. “We’re chasing bigger goals now—the UFC belt is within reach—but there’s always more to conquer.”