Mauricio Ruffy Dismisses Criticism Following Departure from Fighting Nerds

Mauricio Ruffy has been in the spotlight lately, not only for his upcoming fight against former Bellator champion Michael Chandler at the UFC Freedom 250 event taking place at the White House but also due to his recent separation from the Fighting Nerds team. Ruffy, who boasts a professional record of 13 wins and 2 losses in MMA, including 4 wins and 1 loss in the UFC, made waves in 2023 as part of the Fighting Nerds, a Brazilian squad known for bringing fresh talent to the forefront.

However, speculation about his exit from the team began circulating late last year. Ruffy has confirmed that he is no longer training with Fighting Nerds but has assured fans that he maintains a positive relationship with the group. "I saw some trash talk on social media, but I don't care about that," Ruffy stated in an interview with MMA Junkie Radio. He emphasized, "I will always go to Fighting Nerds to check in and speak with my friends... my fans know I'm doing what's best for me, and I'm good with that."

In preparation for his fight in June against Chandler, Ruffy has shifted his training focus back to his hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He has developed a private gym tailored to his needs, bringing in coaches and fighters dedicated solely to his training. "I built a space 100 percent focused on me," he shared. "I love Fighting Nerds... However, I'll always be a fighting nerd. I continue to study fighting. That's in me."

As he gears up for the bout, Ruffy feels confident in his preparations for Chandler. He noted that there is "nothing that worries me," highlighting his understanding of Chandler's fighting style, which includes powerful strikes and a strong grappling approach. Ruffy has been honing his wrestling skills, particularly during his training in Australia, and is eager to put this knowledge to the test in the upcoming match.