Maurício Ruffy worries fans during takedown defense training ahead of UFC 325.

Ruffy backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Maurício Ruffy has left Brazilian fans apprehensive about his fight at UFC 325, scheduled for January 31st. The Fighting Nerds representative, who struggled in grappling against Benoit Saint-Denis and was ultimately submitted at UFC Paris , appeared on social media in a wrestling training session where he "came out worse" against Terrance McKinney , generating comments on social media.

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In a video posted by Jaiden Cable on Instagram, Mauricio Ruffy is seen training takedown defense alongside McKinney. In the footage, the Brazilian attempts to counter the American's attacks using the wall for support, simulating the octagon's cage. However, during one of his training partner's actions, the Fighting Nerds fighter ends up on the ground and gives up his back (watch the video).

Terrance McKinney Working On His Wrestling with Mauricio Ruffy

🎥: thejaidencable IG pic.twitter.com/Tv4hqntLi5

— Kevin (@realkevink) January 16, 2026

Check out the fans' reaction to Mauricio Ruffy's training for UFC 325.

The fucked up thing is how easily McKinney took his back. Luffy needs to spend a year without fighting and just train wrestling and takedown defense to have a good future in the lightweight division.

— heitororeis (@heitororeis) January 18, 2026

McKinney's wrestling isn't bad, but it's not better than practically any of the top 15. Fiziev has better wrestling than McKinney in my opinion. Luffy was lucky because Fiziev's ground game isn't all that great.

— Pedr0 lxcas (@PedroL65575) January 17, 2026

Saint Denis was the "lowest-level" grappler among the ranked players, and he cruised with him.

— #1 Chute Boxe hater Diego Lima (@amrabatcarioca) January 17, 2026

Rafael Fiziev changes strategy to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325

Rafael Fiziev in victory at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Mauricio Ruffy will need to be alert in all areas in his UFC 325 fight. He's scheduled to face Rafael Fiziev on the main card in a bout that promises to be primarily a striking contest. However, the Kyrgyz fighter may have an ace up his sleeve.

In a video posted on social media, Rafael Fiziev is shown sparring against an opponent who mimics Mauricio Ruffy 's style . The footage, recorded at the Tiger Muay Thai academy in Thailand, shows the Muay Thai specialist exchanging blows while standing and then attempting a takedown on his training partner, a move that may indicate a change in approach for the fight against the Brazilian.

Watch Rafael Fiziev's training session to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325.

Rafael Fichiev working on his wrestling in preparation for Mauricio Ruffy 🤼‍♂️

Via @RafaelFiziev pic.twitter.com/JjJ2xHFPJJ

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 15, 2026

Maurício Ruffy seeks to regain momentum at UFC 325.

Mauricio Ruffy was submitted by Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Paris (Photo: Twitter/UFC)

After thrilling audiences with two knockouts in three fights during his explosive start in the UFC, Mauricio Ruffy failed to live up to expectations in his first bout against a ranked fighter in the organization. At UFC Paris , the Brazilian was dominated by Benoit Saint-Denis . Now, at UFC 325, he has the opportunity to redeem himself and prove that he belongs among the elite of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).

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