Pablo Sucupira and The Fighting Nerds: A Journey in MMA
Despite having only a few grainy videos to showcase his kickboxing career, Pablo Sucupira has carved a niche for himself in the MMA world. At 45, he leads The Fighting Nerds, an MMA gym in São Paulo, Brazil, that has produced talent for the UFC since 2021. His most prominent fighters—Caio Borralho, Jean Silva, Carlos Prates, and Mauricio Ruffy—boast a remarkable combined record of 21-1 in the UFC, with 60% of their fights earning post-fight bonuses. They are set to headline two upcoming events, with Borralho facing Nassourdine Imavov and Silva meeting Diego Lopes, both of whom could be contenders for title shots.
The Transition from Fighter to Coach
Sucupira’s journey in combat sports dates back nearly two decades, during an era when records were poorly maintained. Although he lacks a formal online fight record—believing it to be 13-3—his primary aspiration as a fighter was to be the best. After a knockout loss in 2009 at age 29, Sucupira reassessed his goals and chose to focus on coaching instead.
Starting Combat Club
Initially, Sucupira established Combat Club, offering kickboxing classes before transitioning into professional Muay Thai. He switched to MMA in 2014, where he met Borralho, a young fighter whose determination reminded him of his own. Borralho acknowledges the impact Sucupira had on his growth, having initially struggled with basic techniques but eventually adopting a champion mindset.
Animal Logic in Training
A unique aspect of Sucupira’s coaching methodology is his belief that animals offer insights into fighting. He encourages his students to study nature, emphasizing that combat requires instinctual responses akin to those of predators in the wild. He frequently refers to the mongoose for its agility and strategic hunting skills, pushing his fighters to incorporate these concepts into their training.
Understanding Distance and Movement
Borralho, proficient in judo and grappling, credits his improvements in striking to Sucupira’s teachings on “distance control” and movement. He describes the dance between the mongoose and its prey as an “invisible fight,” highlighting the importance of reading an opponent’s movements without necessarily throwing strikes. This approach has bolstered their confidence in the octagon.
Facing Challenges in the UFC
With an impressive 21-1 record, the Fighting Nerds stand on the cusp of greatness but face tough competition. Their only setback came from Carlos Prates, who lost a decision to Ian Machado Garry—a fighter known for technical prowess. This loss raised questions about whether The Fighting Nerds’ aggressive style could adapt to more strategic opponents.
The Path Forward
As Sucupira and his team prepare for their most significant challenges yet, he is eager to test their abilities on the biggest MMA stage. He expresses confidence in their journey toward achieving championship success, affirming that the only remaining goal is securing a title. “We’ve been prospects, and now we aim to turn our dreams into reality,” he states, driven by curiosity and confidence.
