The image, widely shared on Instagram, was captioned with:
Dana White in Talks with Gordon Ryan and Nicky Rod for UFC BJJ Show. UFC President Dana White is in talks to bring Gordon Ryan and Nick Rodriguez to season 2 of UFC’s BJJ Road to the Title. “Dana has spoke to both Gordon and Nicky and we’re finalizing the details for season 2 of the show,” a UFC rep confirmed.
The comment section exploded with hype, jokes, and skepticism. Some fans pushed for a Craig Jones rematch instead, while others questioned whether either athlete would pass a PED test.
“there’s no way Gordon risking his brand against Nicky for 50K 😂”
“Should be Craig not Nicky wtf”
“I would rather have Craig and Gordon”
But from the beginning, the post looked fraudulent. Gordon Ryan has been medically sidelined with severe gastrointestinal issues, the same reason he withdrew from coaching season one of UFC BJJ opposite Mikey Musumeci. His chronic illness led to a temporary retirement from competition and travel. It’s unlikely he’d suddenly reverse course to coach a reality show alongside an opponent he openly despises.
In fact, Ryan has previously published a long list of demands if he were ever to face Rodriguez again, including public apologies and financial stipulations. Their feud has extended beyond competition into deeply personal territory, making it improbable for them to share coaching duties on a promotional series requiring close collaboration.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez is not only active with B Team, but also preparing for CJI 2 after winning $1 million at the inaugural CJI. His continued involvement with CJI suggests he’s unlikely to sign the increasingly restrictive, exclusive UFC contracts that have become standard for season two of their BJJ reality series.
The bottom line: there’s no Gordon vs. Nicky season coming to UFC BJJ. No contract. No production. No confirmation. Just another fan-fueled rumor that got out of hand.
Stay skeptical, and check the facts before hitting share.
