The Fighting Nerds team, experiencing a successful 2024, is set to broaden its reach by establishing its first gym in the United States.
Mauricio Ruffy, preparing to compete against King Green at UFC 313 in Las Vegas this Saturday, announced to MMA Fighting the upcoming launch of a Fighting Nerds branch in New Hampshire. This venture is in partnership with his business associate Yann Oliveira, striking coach Lee Alves, and Pablo Sucupira, the founder of Fighting Nerds.
While the precise location and opening date are yet to be revealed, Ruffy expressed his enthusiasm for providing a new base in the U.S. for his teammates, extending beyond their current gym in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“Having an improved space for the Fighting Nerds in the United States will be fantastic,” Ruffy stated. “We will have a dedicated training area, complete with accommodation for everyone. We also intend to welcome other fighters, creating opportunities for them to train with us. There is significant interest from many individuals wanting to join, and I am very excited about it.”
Yann Oliveira boasts an undefeated professional MMA record of 7-0 and holds two Combat FC championship titles, securing both welterweight and middleweight titles in 2024. Lee Alves previously coached Alex Pereira during Pereira’s final period as GLORY champion and throughout his UFC career, guiding him to UFC championships in two different weight divisions. Alves now serves as Ruffy’s coach.
Ruffy plans to continue his training in Sao Paulo but also intends to utilize the New Hampshire facility for the final stages of training camps before UFC fights in the United States. This plan extends to his teammates Caio Borralho, Jean Silva, Carlos Prates, and Bruna Brasil.
“I spend a lot of time here in the United States, and fighters are constantly traveling,” Ruffy explained. “For instance, if I have a scheduled fight and I’m coming to the United States, I can train here for a couple of months, or the reverse. It will simplify things for us. Caio, Jean, and everyone else are excited about this. The training regimen will remain consistent. Lee will be there full-time, and Pablo will be a regular presence as well. This is a dream come true.”
Ruffy has achieved a 2-0 record in the UFC, with victories over Jamie Mullarkey and James Llontop, and aims to maintain his winning streak this Saturday against seasoned octagon veteran King Green, who has 26 UFC appearances. Green, at 38, is coming off a defeat to Paddy Pimblett.
