IBJJF world champion Nick Rodriguez, also known as ‘Nicky Rod’ to grappling fans, did not appreciate accusations of PED use being flung his way courtesy of ex-teammate Gordon Ryan.
Last month, Rodriguez picked up another quality win at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4, securing a rear-naked choke submission against Daniel Manasoiu. Following the contest, he sent shockwaves through the submission grappling community when he openly challenged Gordon Ryan to a 10-minute match with both men being subjected to testing from the United States Anti-Doping Agency before and after the bout.
In an interview courtesy of FloGrappling on YouTube, Rodriguez explained his callout, suggesting it was his response after Ryan had accused him of utilizing performance-enhancing substances.
“He was accusing me of doing steroids in the sport of jiu-jitsu which is untrue,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve never taken gear and I still continue to train and compete as a natural athlete. So, upon winning UFC Fight Pass Invitational 4, I challenged Gordon Ryan to a 10-minute EBI overtime grappling match with the stipulations of us both passing USADA drug tests before and after just so I can show just how natty I am.”
‘Nicky Rod’ Takes Credit for the ‘Demise’ of Gordon Ryan’s Grappling Career
Gordon Ryan has since responded to the callout, declining Rodriguez’s challenge while curiously pointing out that “steroids are not illegal in jiu-jitsu.”
“Gordon Ryan respectfully declined my match, which I understand,” Rodriguez continued. “The last time we competed, I was able to break his foot in a toehold, and ultimately this led to his demise. You see that he pulled out of his match against Felipe Pena. He’s essentially retired from the sport of jiu-jitsu all due to me breaking his foot in our last competition.”
Gordon Ryan and ‘Nicky Rod’ last competed against one another in December 2022 during a UFC Fight Pass Invitational event. During the match, Rodriguez slapped a toehold on Ryan and snapped his opponent’s ankle. Ryan confirmed the damage that had been done following the contest, but that didn’t stop ‘The King’ from scoring a decision victory via fastest escape time.
Since then, Ryan has been sidelined after suffering a health scare that saw his signature muscular physique wither away. In recent months, the highly decorated BJJ practitioner is looking much more like himself and has every intention of returning to the mats in 2024.
