In a recent interview, Brazilian jiu-jitsu sensation Nicholas Meregali opened up about his surprising exit from the 2024 ADCC World Championship. Meregali, known for his remarkable success in both gi and no-gi competitions, was unexpectedly eliminated after suffering a shoulder injury during his match against Michael Pixley. In the aftermath, Meregali’s reflections shed light on the emotional and physical challenges that come with being at the top of the competitive grappling world.
The incident occurred during a critical moment in the match when Meregali landed awkwardly on his elbow, leading to a dislocation of his shoulder. Describing the situation, Meregali said, “He [Pixley] hit me, and I landed with my elbow on the ground, and then dislocated my shoulder… I felt my bone kind of over the place.” Despite his efforts to signal to the referee and his opponent to stop the match, Pixley continued his attack, ultimately securing a finish. This left Meregali in a position where he was forced to accept a loss due to injury rather than a clear submission.
Reflecting on the loss, Meregali admitted that it was a tough pill to swallow, especially since he had never imagined that an injury would be the cause of his elimination. “I knew losing a match is part of my life, but getting injured, I never expected to go out like that,” Meregali confessed. He further explained his disappointment, saying, “I was like, if someone beats me in the final, fine. If someone else beats me in open weight, fine. It can happen. But not getting injured—that’s why I’m kind of sad, you know?”
Meregali also addressed the reaction from the jiu-jitsu community, recognizing that some might take pleasure in his defeat. “I know people would celebrate more by watching me lose or getting injured instead of watching me win,” he said, highlighting the sometimes harsh reality of being in the public eye. However, he emphasized that his focus remains on his health and the support of those who truly matter to him—his friends, family, and loyal fans.
The injury has forced Meregali to reassess his immediate plans. Originally, he had hoped to take a short break after the ADCC, but now he is facing the possibility of surgery on both his shoulder and knee. “I had so clear in my mind that I would win, and afterwards, take a break, go to the beach, relax, shut down my phone for a bit… Now everything’s changed,” Meregali reflected.
Despite the setback, Meregali remains resilient, drawing strength from his support system. “My supporters, for sure, they support me not only because I win but also because they believe in the things I believe in,” he stated. Looking forward, he plans to take time to recover and reevaluate his path, but he remains committed to his passion for jiu-jitsu.
In conclusion, Nicholas Meregali’s reaction to his ADCC elimination offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by elite athletes. His determination to frame the loss as a consequence of injury rather than a submission defeat speaks to the pride and competitive spirit that drive him. As he embarks on his recovery, Meregali’s focus will undoubtedly remain on returning stronger, ready to continue his journey in the sport he loves.
