Felipe Pena Talks Nicky Rod Stepping In As Last Minute Replacement

In this video interview by FloGrappling, Felipe Pena discusses the unexpected turn of events when Gordon Ryan pulled out of their upcoming match. Felipe expresses his disappointment as he had dedicated months of preparation to this rematch, only to have it canceled three days prior due to Gordon’s health issues. However, he remains determined to put on a great show and is excited to face his new opponent, Nicky Rod, who had previously defeated him at ADCC. Felipe feels confident and well-prepared for the match, having made significant changes in his training and lifestyle. He also expresses his desire to still have the match with Gordon in the future, believing that a 30-minute time limit is sufficient to determine the better fighter and questioning why Gordon would be hesitant to agree to it. Overall, Felipe’s passion and motivation for the sport shine through as he navigates these last-minute changes and focuses on the upcoming match with Nicky Rod.

Felipe Pena’s Reaction to Gordon Ryan Pulling Out

Felipe Pena, a Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioner, had been eagerly preparing for a match against Gordon Ryan. However, his excitement quickly turned to disappointment when he learned that Gordon Ryan had pulled out of the match at the last minute. Felipe expressed his discomfort with this sudden change, as he had dedicated three months of his life to preparing for the match. He had made significant changes in his lifestyle, training extensively in San Diego and sacrificing time with family and friends. Having poured his heart and soul into his preparation, Felipe felt a deep sense of disappointment when Gordon pulled out due to stomach issues just three days before the scheduled match. Despite this setback, Felipe acknowledged that the show must go on and shifted his focus to his new opponent, Nicky Rod.

Three Months of Preparation Wasted

The sudden withdrawal of Gordon Ryan meant that three months of intense preparation had essentially gone to waste for Felipe Pena. He had made significant sacrifices, both personally and professionally, to ensure that he was in peak condition for the match. Felipe had relocated to San Diego, away from his family and friends, to focus solely on his training. He undertook rigorous training sessions, pushing himself out of his comfort zone and working tirelessly to improve his skills. However, the sudden change in opponents meant that all his efforts and sacrifices seemed futile. Nevertheless, Felipe understood that setbacks were a part of the journey and that he needed to adapt and move forward.

Excitement for the Match against Nicky Rod

Despite the disappointment caused by Gordon Ryan’s withdrawal, Felipe Pena expressed genuine excitement for his upcoming match against Nicky Rod. This was not their first encounter, as Felipe had previously faced Nicky at the ADCC tournament and had suffered a loss. However, Felipe acknowledged Nicky’s skills and recognized him as a tough opponent. He appreciated the challenge and the opportunity to prove himself against such a formidable competitor. Felipe was determined to impose his own game and had high expectations of securing a submission during the match.

Felipe Pena’s Preparation for the Match

Felipe Pena’s dedication and commitment to his training for the match against Gordon Ryan were evident. He had made significant changes in his life to ensure that he was fully prepared. Felipe had transformed his lifestyle, temporarily leaving behind his family, friends, and other commitments to solely focus on his training. He had returned to being a student and incorporated intense training sessions into his daily routine. Felipe pushed himself out of his comfort zone, venturing into new training techniques and methods to elevate his skills. All his efforts and sacrifices had paid off, and he entered the match feeling exceptionally prepared and confident.

Changing His Life for the Match

Felipe Pena acknowledged that his preparation for the match against Gordon Ryan required him to make substantial changes in his life. He temporarily uprooted himself and relocated to San Diego, away from his loved ones. This was a significant sacrifice, but one that Felipe believed was necessary to fully dedicate himself to his training. By immersing himself in a new environment, surrounded by top-level trainers and training partners, Felipe was able to push his boundaries and develop his skills even further. He embraced this new chapter in his life and embraced the challenges that came along with it.

Dedicating Himself to Training

Felipe Pena’s commitment to training was unwavering. He devoted countless hours to honing his skills and preparing for the match against Gordon Ryan. Felipe recognized that successful preparation required discipline, focus, and dedication. He underwent rigorous training sessions, both physically and mentally, pushing his limits and constantly seeking improvement. Felipe understood that the key to success in any endeavor was hard work and continuous effort. His dedication to training allowed him to enter the match with confidence and a deep understanding of his abilities.

Stepping Out of His Comfort Zone

Felipe Pena recognized the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone to grow as an athlete. He acknowledged that progress could not be made by simply sticking to what was familiar and comfortable. To elevate his skills and go beyond his limits, Felipe had to embrace new training techniques and methods. He surrounded himself with trainers and training partners who challenged him and pushed him to his limits. Felipe’s willingness to step outside of his comfort zone allowed him to gain new perspectives, acquire new skills, and ultimately become a better competitor.

Felipe Pena’s Thoughts on Matchup with Nicky Rod

Felipe Pena acknowledged that his upcoming match against Nicky Rod would be a challenging one. He recognized Nicky’s strength and skillset, particularly in takedowns and passing game. However, Felipe remained confident in his ability to surpass these challenges. He believed that the 30-minute time limit provided ample opportunity for him to impose his own game and secure a submission. Felipe approached the match with determination and a strategic mindset, focusing on his strengths and formulating a game plan to overcome his opponent.

Recognizing Nicky Rod’s Strength and Skillset

Felipe Pena acknowledged that Nicky Rod posed a significant challenge as an opponent. He recognized Nicky’s strength and skillset, particularly in his takedown abilities. Felipe was well aware of the threat Nicky posed in terms of his takedown game and his passing game. However, Felipe also understood that a match extends beyond these individual aspects. He was confident in his own ability to match up with Nicky and believed that his skills and strategy would prove effective in countering his opponent’s strengths.

Belief in Imposing His Own Game

Despite recognizing Nicky Rod’s strengths, Felipe Pena remained committed to imposing his own game during the match. He firmly believed in his own abilities and was determined to dictate the flow of the match. Felipe understood that with the absence of ADCC rules that restricted guard pulling, he would have the freedom to implement his desired strategies. This gave him the confidence to go all out and rely on his own game plan to secure victory.

Expectation of Getting the Submission

Felipe Pena entered the match against Nicky Rod with high expectations of securing a submission. He welcomed the challenge and had full faith in his skills and abilities. Felipe understood that submissions were an integral part of jiu jitsu and aimed to exploit any opportunity that presented itself during the match. He viewed the submission as the ultimate goal and was confident in his ability to achieve it.

Felipe Pena’s Interest in Future Match against Gordon Ryan

Despite Gordon Ryan pulling out of their scheduled match, Felipe Pena expressed a strong desire to still face him in the future. Felipe was disappointed that the match did not take place, as he had invested significant time and effort in preparing for it. He even offered to fight Gordon Ryan as soon as the following week, showcasing his determination to prove himself against his original opponent. Felipe speculated that Gordon Ryan’s lack of preparedness and potential fear could be reasons for his withdrawal from the match. Regardless, Felipe remained interested in a future match and hoped that a new date and set of rules could be agreed upon.

Desire to Still Face Gordon Ryan

Felipe Pena maintained a strong desire to face Gordon Ryan despite the last-minute change in plans. He had been eagerly preparing for their match and was disappointed when Gordon pulled out. Felipe believed that their matchup would have been a compelling one and was eager to test his skills against such a high-level opponent. Despite the setback, Felipe remained committed to demonstrating his abilities and proving himself in the jiu jitsu community.

Offering to Fight Next Week

Felipe Pena displayed his dedication and enthusiasm for the matchup against Gordon Ryan by offering to fight him as soon as the following week. He recognized that his own preparation and readiness for the match were not contingent on a specific date and believed that a week would be sufficient for Gordon to be fully prepared as well. Felipe’s offer demonstrated his commitment to the sport and his desire to face top-level competitors. Unfortunately, Gordon did not accept the offer, leaving the future of the matchup uncertain.

Speculation on Gordon Ryan’s Lack of Preparedness

Felipe Pena speculated on the reasons behind Gordon Ryan’s withdrawal from their scheduled match. He believed that Gordon’s lack of preparedness and potential fear could have motivated him to pull out. Felipe’s own dedication and preparation were evident, and he found it perplexing that his opponent would not be equally prepared. However, Felipe understood that everyone had their own reasons and respected Gordon’s decision. He hoped that a future match could still be arranged under mutually agreeable circumstances.

Challenges of Scheduling Matches with No Time Limit

Felipe Pena highlighted the challenges that come with scheduling matches without a time limit. While longer matches allowed competitors to fully showcase their skills and techniques, they also presented logistical difficulties. The absence of a time limit meant that matches could potentially go on indefinitely, making it challenging to schedule other events and plan for the unknown duration of a match. Felipe expressed a preference for longer matches to allow for a conclusive result but was also mindful of the potential changes and pullouts that could occur when scheduling matches without time limits.

Preference for Longer Matches

Felipe Pena expressed his preference for longer matches, as they provided ample time for competitors to demonstrate their skills and secure a submission. He believed that longer matches allowed for a more conclusive result and mitigated the potential for matches to end in a stalemate. Felipe appreciated the opportunity to explore various strategies and techniques during longer matches, ultimately providing a more comprehensive assessment of an athlete’s abilities.

Concerns about Potential Changes and Pullouts

The absence of a time limit in matches presented challenges for both competitors and event organizers. Felipe Pena expressed concerns about potential changes and pullouts, as these sudden alterations disrupted months of preparation and training. He shared his experience of having Gordon Ryan pull out of their match just three days before the scheduled date due to stomach issues. Felipe understood that unforeseen circumstances could arise, but emphasized the importance of proper communication and consideration to minimize the impact on the athletes involved.

Felipe Pena’s Determination to Face Nicky Rod

Despite the disappointment of Gordon Ryan’s withdrawal, Felipe Pena remained determined to face Nicky Rod. Having lost to Nicky before at the ADCC tournament, Felipe viewed the upcoming match as an opportunity for redemption. He recognized Nicky’s strengths but believed in his own abilities to prevail. Felipe’s dedication to training and his unwavering determination drove him to prove himself against his new opponent.

Continued Interest in Facing Gordon Ryan

Felipe Pena’s interest in facing Gordon Ryan remained strong, regardless of the prior withdrawal. He expressed a desire for a future match and hoped that a new date and set of rules could be agreed upon. Felipe believed that facing Gordon would provide an opportunity to showcase his skills and test his abilities against one of the best in the sport. He remained committed to his journey in jiu jitsu and the challenges that lay ahead.