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Fighting Nerds Suffer Triple Setback, but Promise To Bounce Back

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 5:45 PM ET

The Fighting Nerds have built their reputation on playful charisma, rapid success, and a new-wave Brazilian energy that endeared them to fans worldwide. But in the span of two weeks, the once-soaring squad has hit turbulence three marquee fighters, three crushing defeats.

At UFC Paris, team leader Caio Borralho was outworked by Nassourdine Imavov in the main event. The co-main event brought further heartbreak when Mauricio Ruffy was upset by Benoit Saint Denis. Then this past Saturday in San Antonio, Jean Silva appeared seconds away from closing out a strong second round against Diego Lopes before disaster struck. Lopes landed a spinning back elbow with just 13 seconds remaining, securing a TKO and silencing the Fighting Nerds’ momentum.

Bad Blood and Boiling Emotions

If Paul Daley got cut from the UFC for punching someone after the fight, then Jean Silva should absolutely get cut for this pic.twitter.com/ztZLmm8I3L

— Xave (@VolkStanUFC) September 14, 2025

The Silva-Lopes fight carried personal tension, and it spilled over after the stoppage. Lopes celebrated with double middle fingers directed at Silva’s corner, prompting an angry response from Silva, who had to be restrained. It was a bitter ending for a fight that Silva felt was within his grasp.

On Sunday, Silva shared photos of his stitched-up face and admitted he had gone away from the game plan. “Unfortunately, emotions were high,” he wrote in Portuguese. “I went all out. The fighting desire took over. I fought on my own and didn’t listen to my team. This loss is on me.”

A Team Facing the Same Problems

Silva was candid in acknowledging a pattern. He, Borralho, and Ruffy had all suffered similar lapses emotional fighting, tactical breakdowns, and costly mistakes. “We’re three Fighting Nerds in a row who lost, so we’re making the same mistakes,” he admitted. “Me, Caio and Ruffy will fix this. Like it or not, we’ll be back.”

A Silver Lining

Despite the disappointment, Silva earned a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus alongside Lopes, who double-dipped with an additional Performance of the Night award. It was a small consolation for a fighter who still showed flashes of brilliance before being caught.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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