In a recent video that has stirred the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, Nicky Rodriguez, also known as “Nicky Rod,” boldly claimed that he knows when fellow grappling star Gordon Ryan is using Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs).

In the short clip, Rodriguez didn’t hold back, saying, “I’ve trained with Gordon for years, and I can tell you, I know when he’s on something. There are signs, things you notice when you’ve been around the sport long enough.”

This assertion from Nicky Rod has added fuel to an ongoing conversation about PED use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a topic that has been controversial in the sport for years. Gordon Ryan, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers of all time, has been a dominant force on the mat, amassing numerous world titles and accolades. However, like many top athletes, he has faced rumors and speculation regarding PEDs throughout his career.

Rodriguez further stated, “I’m not saying this lightly. There are times when you can see a difference in how someone performs, how their body reacts, and it’s clear something is different. It’s not just training or diet—there’s more to it.”

Nick Rodriguez, the first-ever champion of the Craig Jones Invitational, didn’t hold back when criticizing Ryan’s character, bluntly stating that he’s “not a good person.”

“We used to train together, but we had to split up because of who he is. The environment just wasn’t right,” Rodriguez shared.

Nicky Rod also mentioned that he can tell when Ryan starts using ster*ids because out of the blue, he’ll receive messages like, ‘You suck, casual.’ These taunts, according to Rodriguez, come sporadically, with months of silence in between, usually when Ryan appears to be gearing up for a competition.

The history between Nicky Rod and Ryan is well-known in the grappling community. Two years ago, Nicky Rod injured Ryan’s foot during a match at UFC FPI, though Ryan eventually won in overtime.

“I had him in a rear-naked choke, and he tapped just as the bell rang, but they still gave him the win by advantage,” Rodriguez said. “Many people believed I should have won that match.”

Gordon Ryan has yet to respond to these allegations, but given his outspoken nature, a response is likely on the horizon.

This situation highlights the broader issue of PEDs in sports, particularly in disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where the physical demands are intense, and the line between natural talent and enhanced performance is often blurred.

As the debate continues, the sport’s community is left to ponder the implications of Rodriguez’s statements and what it means for the future of competition at the highest levels.