Brady Tkachuk drew attention this week after joining an elite MMA training session in New Jersey. The Florida Panthers forward trained alongside UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov and several champion fighters.

The workout took place at Nick Catone MMA and featured Khabib, Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov and Catone, a former UFC fighter. Sportsnet shared photos from the session on social media.

Sportsnet wrote, “Brady Tkachuk hits the gym with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Nick Catone.”

While many fans praised the crossover, others focused on one detail. Tkachuk appeared wearing the gold medal the Team USA men’s hockey team won in February by defeating Canada.

One fan wrote, “Goes to a fight gym wearing the gold medal he won months ago. So American cringe as f–k.”

Another added, “And right on brand, he’s dragging his medal everywhere. It’s the only thing he has.”

A third fan commented, “Pretty sure those 3 guys don’t give a s–t about the USA gold medal. Their Russians.”

A fan wrote, “He may as well glue that medal to his body. Cringe.”

One fan reacted, saying, “Never learned humble and humility? Total nonsense and childish to show off a gold medal 🏅 while training with other top athletes.”

A user said, “Still wearing his gold lol something tells me that’ll be the highlight of his career. Wonder if any of those guys can show him how to backcheck.”

Training with champions fits Brady Tkachuk’s physical identity

Milan, Italy; Brady Tkachuk (7) of the United States takes the ice during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Despite the criticism, the workout matched Tkachuk’s playing style. He has built his NHL career on physical play, toughness and relentless forechecking.

Training with world-class wrestlers can improve balance, leverage and body control. Those traits often translate well during board battles and net-front play. At 6-foot-4 and more than 220 pounds, Tkachuk also stood out physically beside the lightweight MMA champions.

The 26-year-old enters an important campaign after joining the Panthers in June. Florida acquired him from the Ottawa Senators in a blockbuster trade after he requested a move. Tkachuk recorded 22 goals and 37 assists in 60 games during his final season in Ottawa. He joins brother Matthew Tkachuk on a Panthers roster built to chase another Stanley Cup.

The online criticism is unlikely to matter inside Florida’s locker room. Winning players often celebrate meaningful achievements, especially international titles. So in a way, Tkachuk has the right to flaunt.

The bigger takeaway is Tkachuk’s offseason commitment. Working with respected combat athletes shows his desire to sharpen every part of his game. If those sessions improve his physical edge, the Panthers could benefit when the 2026-27 season begins.