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

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

Mauricio Ruffy left Brazilian fans with some apprehension ahead of his duel in UFC 325, scheduled for January 31st. The representative of Fighting Nerds, who had difficulties in the grappling match against Benoit Saint-Denis and it's over finalized No. UFC Paris, appeared on social media in a wrestling training session in which he 'got the worst of it' against terrance mckinney and it generated 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.

— hater n° 1 of Chute Boxe Diego Lima (@amrabatcarioca) January 17, 2026

Rafael Fiziev changes strategy to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325

Raphael Fiziev in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Mauricio Ruffy will need to be attentive in all areas in the duel for UFC 325. Escalated to face Raphael Fiziev The main card of the event promises to be a mostly striking-based fight. However, the Kyrgyz fighter may have an ace up his sleeve.

In a video published on social media, Raphael Fiziev appears performing a sparring session against an opponent who mimics the style of Mauricio RuffyIn the footage, recorded at the Tiger Muay Thai academy in Thailand, the Muay Thai specialist exchanges blows while standing and then attempts a takedown on his training partner, a move that may indicate a change in strategy for the fight against the Brazilian.

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

Raphael Fiziev working on his wrestling in preparation for Mauricio Ruffy 🤼‍♂️

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. @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 completed by Benoit Saint-Denis No. 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. UFC ParisThe Brazilian was dominated and by Benoit Saint-DenisNow, in UFC 325He has the opportunity to rehabilitate himself and prove that he belongs among the elite of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).