By defeating Felipe Preguiça by submission at UFC Invitational 5 in Las Vegas last Sunday, Nicholas Meregali further cemented his status as one of the premier names in no-gi jiu-jitsu today. He has begun competing more frequently in grappling events after winning numerous titles in gi competitions.

As his profile in the grappling scene grows, new challenges and potential opponents emerge. Meregali was asked about the possibility of facing Gordon Ryan, who is considered by many to be the top no-gi athlete currently. In an interview with Ag. Fight, the Brazilian star made it clear he has no intention of facing Ryan, expressing respect and loyalty for Ryan and for coach John Danaher, who has helped sharpen both of their games.

“I will never fight him,” Meregali stated. “That would be a complete lack of respect, not only towards him, but towards John, who has them in his academy. They opened the door to their house and put me at the level I am today. Obviously there’s my work, but it’s a joint effort. I think it’s a lot of disloyalty and lack of character to leave and then fight. That’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t fight Gordon for any amount of money. I’m very happy being the second-best no-gi player in the world and far and away the best in the gi, even though I don’t train in the gi. That’s enough for me.

The 2022 IBJJF Absolute World Champion at age 29, Meregali has also begun competing in grappling more recently. Earlier this year he defeated jiu-jitsu legend Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu by submission at UFC Invitational 4 in June.