Nicholas Meregali claims he’s done with IBJJF forever

Renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Nicholas Meregali recently made a significant announcement He revealed his decision to no longer participate in IBJJF events, emphasizing that this change doesn’t signify a departure from gi competitions.

In fact, Meregali’s upcoming match is scheduled to take place in the gi as the main event of a WNO (Who’s Number One) tournament. Despite acknowledging that no-gi competitions generally offer greater financial opportunities, he expressed his preference for more gi matches:

“To be honest, I would prefer to have more gi matches. However, I understand the hype around the no-gi scenario. As an athlete, I recognize the importance of the business aspect and the need to focus marketing efforts where the money is.”

Meregali, a lifelong practitioner of gi Jiu-Jitsu, values the special bond he has with the gi and is excited to continue building his legacy in that realm. In the traditional BJJ world, the title of IBJJF World champion is the most prestigious BJJ title.

The accomplishments of Marcus Buchecha Almeida and Roger Gracie are unprecedented. Each has more than 10 world titles.

But Meregali has drawn a line in the sand saying he’ll never participate in IBJJF competitions again unless they professionalize the sport.

Meregali told MMA Hoje podcast:

“I put myself in a difficult position. I think there’s no way these guys won’t compete. Especially today with the media pressure. But they can say they’re short of money.”

 

Later he added:

“(They can) say Nicolas is a coward. (He’s) going to say Nicolas is afraid. (He’s) going to make up a story, ask for money. I’m going to play in the media. And then there’s this war. And that’s a risk. It’s a risk, but at the same time I can’t see it not working.”

Finally he added he’s done with IBJJF forever:

“My decision is forever. The only reason I would come back to compete in IBJJF would be if I saw that there’s a movement to professionalize the sport. Professionalize the sport in relation to the rules, professionalize the sport in relation to the payment, professionalize the sport in relation to streaming, in the media, in all the aspects of the sport. Because the work of the federation…”