2x ADCC silver medalist Nick Rodriguez has just been promoted to black belt in BJJ after training in BJJ for a little over 5 years. He was promoted by Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan and Ethan Crelinsten.
Rodriguez began wrestling in the sixth grade. As a senior in high school, he qualified for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association championships but did not place.
Following high school, Rodriguez attended Ferrum College, which has a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III wrestling program. Between his final match as a high school wrestler and first match as a collegiate wrestler, he gained 50 pounds, increasing his weight from 170 to 220 pounds. Rodriguez was enrolled in college for one year, during which time he placed fourth at the East Regionals and compiled a record of 23 wins and 4 losses. He then decided to pursue a career in modeling with Wilhelmina Models.
Professional Grappling Career
In 2018, a friend persuaded Rodriguez to attend his first Brazilian jiu-jitsu class under Jay Regabulto to stay active. After two weeks of training, he participated in his first submission wrestling competition and went on to win the advanced 230 pound and absolute brackets. A few months later, he moved to the Renzo Gracie Academy where he trained under coach John Danaher. Jay Regabulto gave him his blue belt.
After an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championship, Rodriguez competed in the blue belt division at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championship. He defeated all three of his opponents to claim the championship title.
After winning second at Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championship, Jay Regabulto gave him his purple belt.
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