In a wide-ranging podcast interview, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Leo Vieira shared his insights on several pressing issues facing the sport, from organizational structures to Olympic aspirations and competitive integrity.
Exclusivity Contracts in Professional Grappling
As Vice President of ONE FC Grappling, Vieira offered a candid perspective on the evolving landscape of contracts and their impact on the sport. He addressed growing concerns about how exclusivity agreements might limit potential dream matchups between top athletes.
“Going back to exclusivity, it was similar to the MMA contract, exclusively for everything—exclusively for MMA. Then I talked to the Chatri (Sityodtong), and I said, ‘Chatri, this doesn’t work for grappling. What grappling? He doesn’t grapple three times a year; he grapples more times. Understand, the guy who is active is the one who makes the action exciting.'”
Vieira went on to claim that the public narrative surrounding the contracts became overwhelmingly negative:
“They started using the narrative that we made exclusivity and scared people. I didn’t have a voice, you know? The guys didn’t know, and maybe they’ll discover now what our contract really is. Our contract is about freedom for the grapplers, not like MMA. It’s completely different.”
“Our contract becomes exclusive if you are our champion. If you have a belt, you become exclusive,”
Vieira explained, highlighting their nuanced organizational approach.
But there’s a caveat.
“You compete in any event: ADCC, CJI, IBJJF—whatever. You don’t compete in events that could compete with our brand, events that theoretically might do nogi superfights. “
The discussion revealed that unlike MMA, grappling athletes typically compete multiple times per year, making rigid exclusivity contracts particularly challenging. Vieira emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering transparent communication between organizations and athletes to prevent unnecessary tensions.
He warned that the current trend could potentially end the sport’s competitive spirit if not carefully managed.
BJJ in the Olympics?
Contrary to widespread skepticism, Vieira sees the possibility of Olympic recognition as a transformative opportunity for the martial art. He directly addressed common concerns about potential rule changes and sport dilution, arguing that Olympic inclusion could expand Jiu-Jitsu’s global reach and accessibility.
“I think it would open much more spaces. Just being on TV,”
he explained.
Vieira it would be a good way to reach sponsors that are otherwise uninterested in the space.
Host agreed with Vieira countering that he doesn’t see a future where BJJ can be downgraded 30 years just by getting included in the games.
Vieira drew parallels with other combat sports like surfing, suggesting Jiu-Jitsu could follow a similar successful path.
“The sport doesn’t lose its essence – academies will continue to exist, and the core culture remains intact,”
Comprido added:
“You have to be able to become that dream title of a child who doesn’t even train yet.”
Is Gordon Ryan the Nogi GOAT?
In a recent appearance on Connectcast alongside Leo Vieira, veteran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros has challenged Gordon Ryan’s widely accepted status as the greatest No-Gi grappler of all time, citing concerns about selective matchmaking and admitted PED use.
“He chooses who he will face. For example, he grapples in the ruleset that he wants. For example, he has this aura that he created, but you’ve seen he has already lost several times. Normal to win and lose. Now, when you only prepare for one opponent, it’s much easier, especially when you have this ability. But I think Pena always gives him difficulty…”
“I think Roger (Gracie) did a much more, much more dominant… yes, that he and today he is a big guy. The use of ster*ids, even if you say that everyone uses it, I don’t know what, man. For me, it already takes points for a lot of the guy. Yes, you have your career based on the use of ster*ids because, yes, I would like a lot to be competing at the high level, but without the use of ster*ids, you can’t. “
Leo Vieira agreed in part but offered a more diplomatic response:
“I think, comparing generations, is too difficult.”
“You understand, so I can’t compare athletes. I agree when (Comprido) says that Gordon plays with things that he controls, yes, much more. He competed, but he proved to be a champion. In no-gi, he entered (IBJJF Nogi Worlds) and won, you understand?”
Vieira went on to say that he found the ADCC match with Pena had suspicious refereeing:
“The only match he had… the only match he had had his controversies, you understand, because the score was totally off. It was a mistake by the guys, you understand? The ADCC did not… they are obliged to give the warning before giving the minus one. They did not. The second warning, they did not give the warning, you understand? And at 30 seconds, they pointed to Gordon, you understand? This was unlawful by the ruleset, you understand? “
Besides the Pena match, Vieira concluded:
“But I think that he dominates the art well, so to speak. He grapples very well.”
Performance Enhancement and Competitive Integrity
In a particularly frank segment, Vieira addressed the controversial topic of PEDs in competition. He expressed serious concerns about athletes whose careers seemingly depend on enhancement.
“I never took even vitamin C, practically. I was always afraid of a lot of things. I never had anything, but I see with more open eyes now. I think I see it like this: if it’s really something the federation agrees with, then I think you’re doing the right thing. You’re doing the right thing, understand? Then, it’s up to the grappler, whether or not (he’ll take PEDs), understand?”
“I had the option to take it, but I never did. For me, I never wanted to be unlawful, understand? But at the same time, even if it’s legal, I saw it in my own set of values—damn, I wasn’t going to sleep well knowing my performance was enhanced.”
“So I always had this in my conscience, understand? I’m not bothered. All the matches I entered, I knew the same possibilities of losing, and I entered to win. But I think (Gordon’s) an incredible grappler.”
“I think he’s very good.” – Vieira concluded a bit later.
Throughout the discussion, Vieira maintained an optimistic outlook for the sport’s future while acknowledging the need to address these critical challenges. His perspective offers valuable insights into how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might navigate its evolution on the global stage while maintaining its fundamental integrity and values.
