In a wide-ranging podcast interview, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros alongside BJJ legend Leo Vieira shared critical insights on the sport’s most pressing issues, including a controversial discussion about Gordon Ryan‘s status in the sport.
Is Gordon Ryan the Nogi GOAT?
The debate about Ryan’s status as the greatest No-Gi grappler of all time took center stage, with Comprido raising significant concerns about selective matchmaking and admitted PED use.
“He chooses who he will face. For example, he grapples in the ruleset that he wants,” Comprido stated, adding, “I think Roger (Gracie) did a much more, much more dominant… yes, that he and today he is a big guy.”
Comprido particularly emphasized his concerns about performance enhancement, stating, “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.”
Leo Vieira offered a more measured response, acknowledging the difficulty in comparing different eras: “I think, comparing generations, is too difficult.” He did, however, defend Ryan’s competitive accomplishments, noting, “He competed, but he proved to be a champion. In no-gi, he entered (IBJJF Nogi Worlds) and won, you understand?”
Performance Enhancement and Competitive Integrity
The discussion naturally evolved into broader concerns about PEDs in competition. Vieira shared his personal perspective, drawing from his own competitive experience:
“I never took even vitamin C, practically. I was always afraid of a lot of things.” He expressed a nuanced view on the current landscape: “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?”
Despite his personal stance against enhancement, Vieira maintained respect for Ryan’s abilities: “I think he’s very good.”
Exclusivity Contracts in Professional Grappling
The conversation also touched on the evolving landscape of professional grappling contracts. As Vice President of ONE FC Grappling, Vieira addressed concerns about exclusivity agreements and their potential impact on dream matchups. He revealed how he approached ONE FC’s leadership about adapting MMA-style contracts for grappling:
“Chatri, this doesn’t work for grappling. What grappling? He doesn’t grapple three times a year; he grapples more times.”
Vieira clarified misconceptions about ONE FC’s contracts: “Our contract becomes exclusive if you are our champion. If you have a belt, you become exclusive,” emphasizing their approach differs significantly from MMA contracts.
BJJ in the Olympics?
On the topic of Olympic inclusion, Vieira expressed optimism about the potential for Olympic recognition to transform the sport.
“I think it would open much more spaces. Just being on TV,” he explained, suggesting it could attract previously uninterested sponsors.
Addressing concerns about potential dilution of the sport, Comprido added an important perspective:
“You have to be able to become that dream title of a child who doesn’t even train yet.” Vieira reinforced this view, stating, “The sport doesn’t lose its essence – academies will continue to exist, and the core culture remains intact.”
Throughout the wide-ranging discussion, both Vieira and Comprido maintained a balanced perspective on the sport’s future while acknowledging the need to address these critical challenges.
