Veteran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Denny Prokopos has become the latest prominent voice to take aim at the widespread practice of BJJ athletes paying to compete in top-level events.
Prokopos, who has spent more than two decades on the mats and 15 years as a black belt, didn’t hold back when expressing his frustration over what he sees as a broken system:
That’s ret*rded! Motherf*cker like me has been doing Jiu-Jitsu for 25 years, black belt for 15 years.
I’m gonna pay for a bulls*it card? I’m gonna pay to compete? Are you out of your mind?
His criticism echoes a growing wave of dissatisfaction among high-level athletes who are questioning why elite competitors are still expected to pay entry fees to tournaments like those run by the IBJJF – despite their contributions to the sport’s growth.
Prokopos’s comments arrive on the heels of a viral statement from UFC Fight Pass Invitational head Claudia Gadelha, who laid the blame for BJJ’s amateur status at the feet of the athletes themselves:
The number one reason why Jiu-Jitsu is still an amateur sport, the number one reason why Jiu-Jitsu isn’t a professional sport yet, is because of the athletes.
You accept to go in there and put the best performances of your life, for a medal.
Prokopos echoed that sentiment, offering his own, well, more colorful take:
You motherf*ckers are getting pimped and you guys are h*es.
I would never compete at a principle. Out of principle.I got too much respect for myself.
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