Nicky Rodriguez: UFC BJJ Debut & Future Plans
LAS VEGAS – Submission grappling standout Nick Rodriguez is set to develop his UFC BJJ debut at UFC BJJ 6 on , at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The announcement came during UFC Mexico, signaling a significant step for Rodriguez and the burgeoning UFC BJJ promotion.
Rodriguez, 29, will face two-time IBJJF No-Gi world champion Elder Cruz in a heavyweight contest. The matchup is a rematch of a January 2022 bout at WNO 11, which Cruz won by decision. However, both athletes have experienced considerable growth since then, with Rodriguez ascending to become a two-time Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) champion and Cruz claiming significant titles of his own.
The Philadelphia native, known as “Nicky Rod” and “The Black Belt Slayer,” has quickly become a prominent figure in the grappling world. He initially gained recognition as a former amateur wrestler, competing for Ferrum College where he achieved a 23-4 record and a fourth-place finish at the East Regionals. He notably gained 50 pounds during the transition from high school to collegiate wrestling, moving from 170 to 220 pounds.
Rodriguez’s rise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been meteoric. He qualified for the 2019 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championships while still a blue belt, securing a silver medal. He repeated that success at the 2022 ADCC World Championships. His success continued with dominant performances in the Craig Jones Invitational, winning both of the $1 million tournaments held in the first two CJI events.
The signing of Rodriguez represents a major acquisition for UFC BJJ, which rebranded in 2025. The promotion has recently begun enforcing exclusive contracts, a move that has drawn scrutiny from figures like Craig Jones, Rodriguez’s longtime teammate and the promoter of the CJI. The terms of Rodriguez’s contract, and whether it allows him to compete in events like the 2026 ADCC and CJI 3, remain a point of interest within the grappling community.
The UFC BJJ 6 card also features a bout between jiu-jitsu legend Joao Miyao and longtime UFC veteran Jussier Formiga. Both Miyao and Formiga secured gold medals at separate “Masters” age divisions at the 2026 IBJJF Euros, highlighting the high level of competition the promotion is attracting.
Rodriguez has competed in nine UFC Fight Pass Invitational matches over the last three years, but this marks his first appearance under the UFC BJJ banner since its rebrand. The shift to exclusive contracts by UFC BJJ has sparked debate, particularly given the close relationship between Rodriguez and Craig Jones, who has publicly voiced concerns about the promotion’s practices.
UFC BJJ 6 is headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Mason Fowler and Pedro Machado, and a women’s bantamweight title bout between Ffion Davies and Cassia Moura. Rodriguez’s heavyweight clash with Cruz is poised to be a key attraction on the card, offering a compelling rematch between two of the sport’s rising stars.
The grappling world will be watching closely as Rodriguez embarks on this new chapter in his career. His unique blend of wrestling pedigree and rapidly developing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills has made him a fan favorite, and his debut in UFC BJJ is expected to draw significant attention. The outcome of his fight against Elder Cruz will undoubtedly shape his trajectory within the promotion and further define the landscape of competitive grappling.
Rodriguez’s journey from high school wrestling in Clayton, New Jersey, to the pinnacle of submission grappling has been marked by dedication and rapid improvement. His ability to adapt and excel in different disciplines has set him apart, and his signing with UFC BJJ represents a significant opportunity to showcase his talents on a larger stage. His brother, Jay Rodriguez, also remains a notable figure in his life.