Gordon Ryan and Nicky Rodriguez shared their views on the IBJJF European Championships, highlighting the lack of talent and pointing out that although the level of jiu-jitsu is generally rising, the prestige of the IBJJF is rapidly declining.

Gordon Ryan, the best grappler in the world, commented on the declining prestige of the IBJJF and the topic of athlete rewards. He shares the belief that most of them do not receive sufficient financial awards.

"The IBJJF has decided to take steps to prevent tactical agreements and now athletes are complaining that they want to receive more money for matches with fellow players from the same team in the finals. While I agree that SOME athletes deserve to be paid more, most of them deserve to receive NOTHING... The reality is that these athletes are now complaining about salaries simply because they see me rich and it pisses them off... You seem like a complete joke. While I agree that the IBJJF should offer bigger prizes and some athletes more rewards, most of you honestly don't deserve a penny, not even those who have won ADCC or world championships. The reality is that no one cares about you, and by the numbers... If the IBJJF was smart, they would offer me $75,000 to enter one of their Grand Prix this year so I could help save their sinking name. The IBJJF is wrong on many things, but you athletes live in a different world of illusion."

Despite the rivalry between New Wave and the B-Team, Nick Rodriguez and Gordon Ryan seem to share the same views on the subject.

ADCC silver medalist Nick Rordiguez discussed the prestige of grappling competitions on a podcast, and they considered whether success at the ADCC Trials carries more weight than winning a gold medal at the IBJJF World Black Belt Championships.

"I honestly think some blue and purple belts are better than a lot of black belts."

He then added: "Winning the American ADCC Trials is now more valuable than winning the IBJJF World Black Belt Championships."