Nicky Rod is ready to put his money where his mouth is.
Nick Rodriguez absolutely shined in the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), submitting all of his opponents, and then tapped Brazilian world champion Fellipe Andrew in the finals to earn the $1 million championship prize from inside Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch highlights).
After his gigantic win, “Nicky Rod” called for a $2 million rematch with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superstar “King” Gordon Ryan.
“The only thing better than one million dollars is two million dollars,” Rodriguez said. “So let’s do this: I want a bet match with Mr. Gordon Ryan. Because I know in my bones that I’m the actual best grappler on the planet, so let’s do this, Bubba. My $1 million versus your $1 million, winner-take-all bet match. Come get some.”
His million Your million. Winner take all pic.twitter.com/miD2p8KHWP
— Bteamjj (@bteamjj) August 18, 2024
As Rodriguez got backstage, he caught up with MMAMania.com and doubled down on the Gordon call-out.
“I mean, I just bet him one million dollars, if it doesn’t happen, it’s all on him,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez and Ryan have grappled twice before. The first time occurred at ADCC 2022 when Ryan submitted Rodriguez with a heel hook for the gold medal. The second match was much closer. Ryan defeated Rodriguez with the fastest escape time at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3, but he got his ankle popped.
There’s an argument that a Ryan vs. Rodiguez match could be the biggest grappling match to be made at the moment; however, Ryan has blown off the idea whenever someone has asked.
Maybe a $2 million payday will change his mind.
For official CJI: Day 2 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.