Ladies and gentlemen, fight fans and jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, gather around for an eye-opening deep dive into the world of BJJ. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia has made headlines recently with his candid comments on the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the sport and his blunt assessment of Gordon Ryan’s claim to the title of greatest grappler of all time.
In a series of interviews and statements, Garcia, a five-time ADCC World Champion and revered figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community, has been outspoken about the detrimental impact of PEDs on the sport.
“The use of PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu never translates to the success you need to be a champion,” Garcia asserted in a recent conversation. Known for his clean and ethical approach to the sport, Garcia has never considered using such substances to elevate his grappling prowess.
“I never felt like I needed that,” Garcia stated, emphasizing the importance of skill, dedication, and hard work over artificial enhancements. He believes that relying on PEDs undermines the true essence of martial arts and contaminates the purity of competition.
“If someone has used steroids once, he’s already contaminated,” Garcia added, underlining his zero-tolerance stance on the issue.
“I’m sorry, but I think it’s a problem. For example, look how frustrated I am. I grew up with a lot of people who used it around me. I see people use that around me. I was lucky nobody ever told me I needed to use that. My coach, everybody knew that I was big, I was strong.”
The Real GOAT vs. the PED GOAT?
But perhaps the most controversial of Garcia’s recent comments revolves around his evaluation of Gordon Ryan, a dominant figure in contemporary grappling who has been vocal about his use of PEDs.
Ryan, despite his impressive track record and undeniable skill, has yet to earn Garcia’s endorsement as the GOAT. In a revealing interview, Garcia explained why he believes Ryan hasn’t yet reached that pinnacle.
“Gordon Ryan isn’t the grappling GOAT,” Garcia remarked. “Yes, he’s accomplished a lot, but the GOAT title is about more than just victories. It’s about legacy, influence, and the way you conduct yourself both on and off the mat.”
Garcia’s critiques extend beyond Ryan’s PED use to his overall approach to the sport and his behavior.
While acknowledging Ryan’s technical brilliance and competitive success, Garcia believes the true measure of greatness encompasses a broader spectrum of attributes, including integrity, respect, and the ability to inspire others positively.
‘PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu are Legal’
Ryan, who has amassed a legion of fans with his dominant performances and outspoken personality, has not shied away from addressing his use of PEDs, framing it as a necessary step in achieving peak performance.
Gordon has been going back and forth with everyone who cares to debate the subject, most recently that being Kron Gracie. Ryan challenged Kron’s comments on his PED use by claiming the following:
“Talking to these people is like talking to liberals. You present facts, and they’re just like “no,” lol. I say we are on earth. They say we are on Mars. We just aren’t. They say steroids are illegal in jj.. they’re just not. Like, they’re just… not lmao.”
Ryan also fired at the entire Gracie family asking Kron via social media “Also, you’re gonna tell me the family hasn’t used steroids in jj and mma for like the last 5+ decades?”
This is pretty much in line with Marcelo’s account of people doing steroids and PEDs since teh early days of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. However, Garcia’s perspective offers a sobering counterpoint, urging the community to consider the long-term implications of normalizing PED use in Jiu-Jitsu.
For Gordon, it seems, PEDs are worth taking years off his life if it means he is the GOAT, a status Garcia challenges on account of those same steroids:
“Even if it were to take 20 years off of my life, I wouldn’t regret doing the things that I’ve done to become the greatest of all time in this sport. Because ultimately when I die, my legacy is what’s going to be remembered.”
The debate over PEDs and the criteria for GOAT status is far from settled, but one thing is clear: Marcelo Garcia’s voice carries significant weight in the martial arts world.
His unwavering commitment to clean competition and his holistic view of greatness continue to shape the dialogue in jiu-jitsu, challenging both current and future generations to strive for excellence with integrity.
Are Steroids the Way Forward or Back?
As the sport evolves and new champions emerge, Garcia’s insights remind us that the true essence of jiu-jitsu lies not just in winning but in the journey of personal and collective growth. For Garcia, the path to greatness is paved with hard work, ethical conduct, and a relentless pursuit of mastery—both on and off the mat.
Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive insights as we continue to explore the stories and personalities that shape the world of combat sports. Until next time, keep rolling and stay true to the art.
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