Nicky Rodriguez has made a name for himself as one of the top BJJ competitors in the world – and for years, fans have speculated about whether he would make the transition to MMA.

The topic of a potential move to MMA resurfaced during the post-fight press conference at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 8.
However, Rodriguez was quick to dismiss the idea:

’m a millionaire with no CTE, I think I’m good.

Those guys are a different breed.
I understand my capabilities in Jiu-Jitsu and I understand what it would take to become the UFC champion.

For me it would probably take five years committing to striking and then that takes away from some of the Jiu-Jitsu.

Many elite MMA fighters face the long-term risk of CTE, a concern that is much less prominent in professional grappling.
And, well, Rodriguez recently won a million dollars at the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational – which is more than many MMA fighters earn over the course of their careers.

Therefore, the health risks and financial trade-offs of pursuing MMA don’t seem worth it to Rodriguez:

I don’t know if I would love fighting, but I know I absolutely love Jiu-Jitsu, so that’s what I do.

I wake up everyday with a goal in mind when it comes to training.
There’s no need for me to take a different path.

I’m making great money.
And that money continues to multiply as I make better decision.