In a recent interview ahead of UFC FPI 10, grappling star Nicky Rodriguez offered his candid thoughts on the ongoing debate about performance-enhancing dr*gs in professional jiu-jitsu.
Rodriguez, who has consistently maintained his stance on competing naturally, expressed concern about how PEDs impact the authenticity of competition. “Using performing enhancing dr*gs probably takes away from you know the purity of the sport in the sense of like how good your technique is, how athletic you really are because you can just overpower somebody,” Rodriguez stated.
He further emphasized the unfair advantage PEDs can provide, noting that “a lot these guys can just take take ster*ids and not necessarily work out and build muscle. That’s kind of like cheating.”
Looking toward the future of the sport, Rodriguez advocated for more rigorous dr*g testing, particularly in high-profile events. “I would love it if every competition in Jutsu was d**g tested vigorously,” he said, specifically highlighting the importance of implementing testing at UFC Fight Pass Invitational events, which he considers “the main way of competing.”
As one of professional grappling’s rising stars, Rodriguez’s stance on PEDs reflects a growing conversation within the sport about maintaining competitive integrity. While different organizations currently have varying approaches to dr*g testing, Rodriguez’s comments underscore the ongoing debate about how best to ensure fair competition at the highest levels of professional jiu-jitsu.
