Felipe “Preguiça” Pena has shared his thoughts on the ongoing discussion around performance-enhancing drug (PED) testing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, voicing support for the idea…
But only if the sport starts compensating its athletes properly first.

In a recent episode of the ConnectCast podcast, Pena addressed the issue in the context of the IBJJF and other major competitions:

I think there’s no problem with doping testing.
But, for example, as they told me, doping testing is very expensive. Doing it well is expensive.

Rather than opposing testing, Pena pointed out that the real issue lies in priorities.

With testing being costly to implement and maintain, he argues that funds should first go toward rewarding the athletes who are already underpaid for their efforts and sacrifices:

Why don’t you first take that prize money and distribute it to the athletes here at the big events, which are the biggest stars of the event?

Do you understand? Don’t you think it’s fair to first take that money and distribute it to the athletes?

Pena then explained just how little athletes walk away with after winning a world title in one of BJJ’s most prestigious tournaments.

Using the IBJJF Worlds as an example, he broke down the financial side of being at the top:

Let’s say the first place gets 10,000.

The athlete spends maybe 6,000 of that on camp, travel, food, supplementation, physiotherapy.
Then you still have to pay taxes.

You’re going to be a world champion, you’re going to be the best in the world in that sport.
How much did you earn?

You put it in your account and it’s maybe equivalent to 10,000 reais [$2,000 USD].

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