Nicholas Meregali appeared on Mundo da Luta ahead of UFC BJJ 7 and weighed in on the organization’s reported plans to move toward exclusive contracts with its grapplers, comparing the arrangement to a monogamous relationship.
When the hosts raised the topic of exclusivity, Meregali confirmed he currently holds a non-exclusive deal.
“We have a contract. An X number of Matches contract. It is not an exclusive contract, as they are planning to do.”
He was quick to clarify that he has no objection to the direction UFC BJJ is heading.
“I even understand the movement they are doing and I am not against it. I think that if they are willing to pay the athlete for the athlete to want to stay only in one place, let them do it. Let it make sense for everyone.”
For Meregali personally, the math would need to add up.
“If they put me to compete four, five, six times a year, and I am receiving more than I am receiving, although I already get paid very well, it will make sense to me. I discard the ADCC, I discard the (IBJJF) Federation, I discard any other event and build UFC brand together with mine.”
That is when Meregali reached for the analogy that summed up his thinking on the matter.
“It’s the same relationship. Either you have a woman that you dedicate to you or you have five women that you give a little bit to each one.”
He then referenced a well-known Brazilian news story involving a wealthy banker who had maintained three simultaneous relationships to further illustrate his point.
Meregali’s current contract is structured around either a one-year term or four matches, whichever comes first.
“What I finish first is what counts. The UFC has two contests this year and the year is over, contract zero.”
Looking further ahead, Meregali left the door open for a deeper commitment to UFC BJJ, provided the terms reflect the value he brings.
Meregali’s UFC BJJ 7 appearance has been derailed. Earlier today he announced that due to injury he’s unable to compete against Declan Moody.
