Nicholas Meregali has announced that he plans to return to gi competition in the future.
A three-time IBJJF World Champion, he was on track for another gold in 2021 before being disqualified for swearing at the crowd.
Since winning his last world title in 2022, Meregali has largely stepped away from gi competition, focusing instead on no-gi.
His transition to no-gi was highly successful, culminating in silver and bronze medals at ADCC 2022 and a series of impressive wins over elite competitors.
And, given that shift, many assumed he had moved on from gi competition for good.
However, when a fan recently asked him during a Q&A on an Instagram story whether he would return to gi competition at IBJJF events, Meregali’s response was unexpected:
Gi is my passion, and no gi is merely a momentary professional choice as the sport is growing a lot in (the United States).
I do intend to return to fighting in the gi and I hope that it will be soon.
This marks a significant change in tone from previous statements. As, over two years ago, Meregali had vowed never to compete in an IBJJF event again – leading many to assume that chapter of his career was closed.
While he didn’t specifically confirm whether his return would be through IBJJF events or other platforms like superfights and invitational tournaments, his commitment to gi competition is now clear – as soon as he recovers from the second shoulder surgery.
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