Nicholas Meregali
3x IBJJF World Champion (gi) · 2016–2024
Lineage
Meregali's elite Guard Passing (92) and elite Submissions (90) define this era.
Competition Record
Career grappling record
Gi
No-Gi
3x IBJJF World Champion (gi), transitioned to no-gi
Mat Resume
Time on the mats in professional competition
72
Pro Matches
35
Mat Hours
28
Events
7.8 min
Avg Duration
25 sec
Fastest Sub
22
Sub-Only Matches
Style Analysis
Three-time gi world champion who shocked the BJJ world by transitioning to no-gi under Gordon Ryan at New Wave.
Signature Submissions
Notable Matches
Key competition results
Did You Know?
Left gi competition to join Gordon Ryans New Wave team
3x IBJJF World Champion
Won his first world title as a brown belt
Style Matchup Analysis
Where this game is vulnerable
Exploitable Patterns
Compact wrestlers who can get under his long frame and control the clinch
Aggressive leg lockers who target his long legs in transition
Fast-paced scramble artists who can exploit the space his lanky frame creates
Nightmare Matchup
Ryan's body lock passing system is specifically designed to control long-limbed opponents like Meregali. Ryan's ability to remove space and apply chest-to-chest pressure negates Meregali's collar-and-sleeve guard advantages.
Closest Calls
Pena's length and guard retention frustrated Meregali's passing attempts in a battle of two giants.
Kaynan pushed Meregali harder than anyone at that Mundials before Meregali secured a late advantage.
Engine Insight
Relative weakness: Takedowns (82) is 6 points below their 88 average — opponents strong in this area have the best chance.
Trophy Case
Won first title as brown belt — ultra heavy
Heavy division
Signature Moments
3 World Titles Then No-Gi Transition
Nicholas Meregali won three IBJJF World Championships in the gi with an aggressive, submission-first style. Then he shocked the BJJ world by leaving the gi entirely to join John Danaher's New Wave team and pursue no-gi competition. His transition showed that elite gi skills transfer.
Three world titles in the gi, then he burned the belt and went no-gi. The most dramatic career pivot in modern BJJ.
The Submission-First Heavyweight
Meregali's gi matches were must-watch events because he chased submissions constantly. While most heavyweights played conservative, point-based games, Meregali attacked with collar chokes, armbars, and back takes at a rate usually reserved for lightweights.
A heavyweight who fought like a featherweight. Meregali proved that big men can (and should) hunt submissions.
Career Numbers
Mundials Golds
IBJJF World Championship golds
3
Pan Am Golds
Pan American Championship golds
1
3 → 0
Deep Gi To Nogi
Left the gi with 3 world titles to start from scratch in no-gi under John Danaher — the boldest career pivot in BJJ
Season Stats · 3x IBJJF World Champion (gi)
Engine Attributes
Data Coverage
FloGrappling / BJJ Heroes / IBJJF
8 of 8 profile sections complete
Fan Debate
What's your take on Nicholas Meregali?
Loading debates...