How Dangerous Is ADCC +99kg Wildcard Nick Rodriguez?

Could Nick Rodriguez become the first blue belt to win ADCC? A phenomenal talent, we want to know how far Nick Rodriguez could take it. 

With incredible athleticism and a blue collar work ethic, Rodriguez could be the best pure wrestler in the division. 

Awaiting Nick Rodriguez in the +99kg division at ADCC will be Buchecha, Yuri Simoes, Orlando Sanchez, Cyborg, Joao Gabriel Rocha, Kaynan Duarte and Mahamed Aly– all highly-accomplished black belts who we know can fight on their feet. 

Can they get Nick down? It’s tough to call. “Jiu-jitsu wrestling” is different to pure wrestling because of the threat of submissions, but look at the camp Nick has been working with. His training at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, training with John Danaher and Gordon Ryan– dropping back for an ankle on this guy isn’t going to be easy. 

Keenan Cornelius and John Danaher have both commented on how no-gi is centering on wrestling and leg locks as dominant areas, and that’s exactly what Nick Rodriguez brings to the table. 

His ability to take you down, his athleticism and his developing grappling technique are all formidable enough, but you have to respect his seemingly-endless gas tank. We’ve seen him do 15-minute super fights and he doesn’t slow down. He loves to out-grind people and that goes a long way in ADCC. 

it will be tough to make a mark in that division but keep an eye on the wildcard Nick Rodriguez.