Brazilian jiu-jitsu sensation Nick Rodriguez has made it clear that he has no intention of venturing into MMA. The 28-year-old athlete recently secured another impressive victory at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 8, further cementing his status as a dominant force in the world of professional grappling.
Despite his success and the presence of UFC President Dana White at the event, Rodriguez remains committed to his chosen path in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. When asked about the possibility of transitioning to MMA, he confidently stated, “I’m a millionaire without CTE — I think I’m good.”
Rodriguez’s statement highlights the growing appeal and financial viability of professional grappling as a career choice. The BJJ star recently won a $1 million tournament at the Craig Jones Invitational, demonstrating the lucrative opportunities available in the sport.
Explaining his decision to stay focused on jiu-jitsu, Rodriguez said, “I understand my capabilities in jiu-jitsu and I understand what it would take to become the UFC champion. For me, it would probably take five years committing to striking, and then that takes away from some of the jiu-jitsu.”
Rodriguez added, “I don’t know if I would love [MMA], but I know I absolutely love jiu-jitsu, so that’s what I do. I wake up every day with a goal in mind when it comes to training. There’s no need for me to take a different path.”
Rodriguez’s decision reflects a growing trend among top BJJ practitioners who can now make substantial incomes through competitions, instructional videos, and other grappling-related ventures. This shift in the professional landscape allows athletes like Rodriguez to pursue their passion without the added health risks associated with full-contact combat sports.
While some may wonder what Rodriguez could accomplish in the UFC’s heavyweight division with his wrestling and elite grappling skills, it’s clear that the athlete is content with his current trajectory. As he put it, “I’m making great money, and that money continues to multiply as I make better decisions.”
Gordon Ryan tried to entice Nicky Rod to ‘stay loyal’ and not leave DDS during Split
In a candid interview on Jake Shields’ podcast, grappling icon Gordon Ryan opened up about the fallout from his former team’s split, focusing on loyalty and personal frustrations. Ryan expressed disappointment with Nicky Rodriguez, a former teammate who left to join the B-Team, stating that he had helped advance Rodriguez’s career, from securing sponsors to negotiating deals.
Ryan revealed that despite his efforts to persuade Rodriguez to stay, his message went unanswered, a move he deemed disrespectful. He contrasted this behavior with his own loyalty to those who helped him rise in the sport.
Additionally, Ryan criticized the B-Team’s training environment, describing it as less serious compared to his legacy-driven focus. The interview sheds light on the emotional dynamics and personal conflicts behind one of the most notable splits in jiu-jitsu.
