The matchup between Felipe Pena and Nicholas Meregali headlines Spaten’s Jiu-Jitsu card in Brazil, an event that also features Shogun and Glover Teixeira.

Pena, the former ADCC absolute champion, and Meregali, a multiple-time IBJJF world champion, represent two of the sport’s biggest names sharing the mat.

But about ten days before the bout, Meregali posted a video from his car saying he wasn’t feeling well, mentally or physically, and needed to step away from the match.
He apologized to Pena and the event organizers, offered to help find a replacement, and wished the card well despite his absence, framing it as a clean farewell to the anticipated matchup.

Less than 48 hours later, the story flipped entirely.
Meregali returned to social media to reveal the withdrawal had been a swerve, confirming he’d still be facing Pena.

The buildup also reignited a familiar question for Meregali, whether a resume like his eventually pulls him toward MMA.
Asked whether a strong win might set up a crossover fight, or whether promotions push him in that direction, he said:

No, not really. So I think MMA stars have such a different legacy.
They are champions in their fields. I don’t think it’s very fair with a grappling match.

He elaborated further:

I was talking with Glover about it. So I shouldn’t be doing grappling match against a grappling fighter.
Doesn’t make any sense.

It’s the same as if I decide fighting Glover in MMA match. He’s going to k*ll me, you know? I need to be respectful.
So if they want to do that for fun, I can do it, but I also know that I should be respecting them from what they do.

Instead of telling them that they should be into my field and kind of, you know, take the challenge.
It’s not fair.

Meregali was clear about his own path forward:

I’m fine on grappling. I’m fine on grappling. I don’t want to be involved (in MMA).

BJJ champion Nicholas Meregali has no interest in making the jump over to MMA after #SpatenFIghtNight3:

“I need to be respectful. … I should be respecting them for what they do instead of telling them they should [come] to my field.”

(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/AZug45UWw9

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 23, 2026

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