Tag: Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan Describes ‘Inspiring’ Experience In Jon Jones’ UFC 309 Camp & Corner

Alongside the former Olympic gold medallist wrestler Gable Steveson, another elite grappler joined Jon Jones’ team for his return to the Octagon at UFC 309. When it comes to heavyweight MMA, there is still some debate over who the very best is even after Jones defended the title in dominant fashion this past weekend. The […]

Alongside the former Olympic gold medallist wrestler Gable Steveson, another elite grappler joined Jon Jones’ team for his return to the Octagon at UFC 309. When it comes to heavyweight MMA, there is still some debate over who the very best is even after Jones defended the title in dominant fashion this past weekend.

The same cannot be said in no-gi grappling where Gordon Ryan is considered by many to be the greatest of all time, like Jones is in mixed martial arts. “The King” will have been an invaluable training partner for the heavyweight champion and the short footage of them training together during the UFC’s Countdown episode for the card was interesting enough let alone getting to watch full sessions.

After Jones retained the gold at Madison Square Garden, Ryan posted on his Instagram to reflect on the time that he was able to spend alongside Jones and his closely knit team.

“It is very inspiring to be around greatness. As a fan, I want to see him continue because he’s as exciting as they come and never loses. As a coach, I want to see him continue because despite being better than everyone else, there is so much more for him to learn. As a friend, I want to see him to whatever his heart desires. I want him to press forward if he wants or to leave the sport on top after being on top since the very beginning. I want to see him happy regardless of what he decides to do next.

“I can’t take credit for any part of Jon’s career, but I am very thankful to be a small part of such an amazing legacy. Thank you for choosing me to help you, and thank you for your friendship. Enjoy this time off that you deserve, and don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Not the fans, not the fighters, only you. You’re the one and only.”

Last but not least, Ryan gave thanks to several other parties that played a role in this invaluable experience for him including the UFC staff, the rest of Jones’ team and the man that “Bones” stood across from in the Octagon, the great Stipe Miocic who retired after the fight.

“Also, big thanks to the @ufc for making my experience at the event smooth as ever, as always. Thank you to the rest of the coaches in the camp, all the drilling partners, and all of the pieces that completed the puzzle that is Jon Jones. Being a legend and first responder, I think we were all a little sad to see @stipemiocic lose and retire, but that’s the game. Thank you, legend, for an amazing career. I’ve always been a fan, and I can’t wait to see you at your HOF induction.”

Watch: Gordon Ryan Defeats Felipe Pena and Yuri Simoes in Consecutive ADCC Superfights

Watch: Gordon Ryan Defeats Felipe Pena and Yuri Simoes in Consecutive ADCC SuperfightsGordon Ryan won not one, but two superfights while competing at this year’s ADCC tournament in Las Vegas. As…

Watch: Gordon Ryan Defeats Felipe Pena and Yuri Simoes in Consecutive ADCC Superfights

Gordon Ryan won not one, but two superfights while competing at this year’s ADCC tournament in Las Vegas.

As the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational kicked off two miles down the road, ‘The King’ returned to the stage inside T-Mobile Arena for a pair of big BJJ matchups, the first coming against 2017 Absolute champion Felipe Pena.

Closing out Day 1 of this year’s ADCC, Ryan and Pena wasn’t exactly the most eventful meeting between the two with the bout failing to even hit the ground for the first five of their 20-minute regulation round. Eventually, Ryan snatched a single leg and dumped Ryan. Once on the mat, Ryan settled into half-guard while Pena threatened a footlock, and that’s pretty much where the match stayed for the remainder of the round.

During the overtime period, a scramble nearly ended with Pena on Ryan’s back, but ‘The King’ managed to get the top position, earning him the only two points awarded during the match.

Gordon Ryan becomes a seven-time ADCC World champion

The very next night, Ryan returned and delivered a much more dominant showing against two-time ADCC champion Yuri Simoes.

Ryan racked up points by improving position, going from mount back to half-guard repeatedly. The action was fast and furious in this one as ‘The King’ continuously attacked his opponent’s arm. Simoes ended the bout attempting to cinch in an ankle lock but was unable to force the tap before the clock ran out.

With the win, Gordon Ryan became a seven-time ADCC champion.

Gordon Ryan

Across the street, Nicky Rod completed his impressive run at the CJI, submitting all four of his opponents via rear-naked choke to claim the $1 million prize in the Over 80kg division. Following his seven-figure win over Fellipe Andrew, Rod issued a $2 million rematch challenge to Ryan.

“The only thing better than one million dollars is two million dollars,” Rod said in a post-match interview. “So let’s do this: I want a bet match with Mr. Gordon Ryan. Because I know in my bones that I’m the actual best grappler on the planet, so let’s do this, Bubba. My $1 million versus your $1 million, winner-take-all bet match. Come get some.”

BJJ star Gordon Ryan blames Joe Biden after thieves take off with his prized truck in late-night larceny

Gordon RyanGordon Ryan is asking for your help. The BJJ king took to social media on Thursday, revealing that his…

Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan is asking for your help.

The BJJ king took to social media on Thursday, revealing that his truck was stolen in the middle of the night. According to Ryan, the culprits ransacked multiple vehicles in the immediate area and made off with a variety of guns as well as knives and a heap of ammunition he had stored in his ride.

A frustrated Ryan then offered a $5,000 reward for anyone who could direct him to the truck or provide a tip leading to the recovery of his property.

He also managed to somehow place the blame on U.S. President Joe Biden, but that’s an entirely different issue to unwrap.

“Here in Joe Biden’s America, someone just stole my f*cking [RAM] TRX out of the driveway last night at 3:30 a.m.,” Ryan told his Instagram followers. “They also stole a bunch of stuff from other people’s cars — guns and stuff like that. I had a couple of John’s knives in there, probably a thousand rounds of ammunition.

“I’ll be offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who can point me to this truck. If you can get me this truck back, I will send you $5,000. If you actually give me a piece of information that allows me to get this truck back, I’ll send you $5,000.”

Fun fact — the world’s very first car theft was committed by Bertha Benz all the way back in 1888. A whole 131 years before Biden was sworn into office.

The more you know.

BJJ star Gordon Ryan blames Joe Biden after thieves take off with his prized truck in late-night larceny

Gordon RyanGordon Ryan is asking for your help. The BJJ king took to social media on Thursday, revealing that his…

Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan is asking for your help.

The BJJ king took to social media on Thursday, revealing that his truck was stolen in the middle of the night. According to Ryan, the culprits ransacked multiple vehicles in the immediate area and made off with a variety of guns as well as knives and a heap of ammunition he had stored in his ride.

A frustrated Ryan then offered a $5,000 reward for anyone who could direct him to the truck or provide a tip leading to the recovery of his property.

He also managed to somehow place the blame on U.S. President Joe Biden, but that’s an entirely different issue to unwrap.

“Here in Joe Biden’s America, someone just stole my f*cking [RAM] TRX out of the driveway last night at 3:30 a.m.,” Ryan told his Instagram followers. “They also stole a bunch of stuff from other people’s cars — guns and stuff like that. I had a couple of John’s knives in there, probably a thousand rounds of ammunition.

“I’ll be offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who can point me to this truck. If you can get me this truck back, I will send you $5,000. If you actually give me a piece of information that allows me to get this truck back, I’ll send you $5,000.”

Fun fact — the world’s very first car theft was committed by Bertha Benz all the way back in 1888. A whole 131 years before Biden was sworn into office.

The more you know.

BJJ ‘King’ Gordon Ryan is ‘malnourished and dying’ after being bedridden once again with stomach illness

Gordon RyanGordon Ryan’s health has taken another turn for the worse. The BJJ ‘King’ had a dominant year on the…

Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan’s health has taken another turn for the worse.

The BJJ ‘King’ had a dominant year on the mats in 2022, racking up nine straight victories including an ADCC world championship. The following year, Ryan was shelved as his health issues caused him to lose a significant amount of weight. Miraculously, he bounced back in 2023 and looked as strong as ever, though he only competed once, earning a win over Patrick Gaudio.

It looks as though Gordon Ryan is once again bedridden and struggling daily with his stomach issues. Despite being “malnourished and dying” the submission specialist is still looking fit as a fiddle, something he credits to having built “real” muscle before admittedly cycling on and off steroids.

“For those of you close to me, you know I’ve been bedridden almost completely for the last month or so with my stomach,” Ryan revealed on social media. “Haven’t been able to eat hardly anything or exercise at all. Today is the first day I’ve been able to push more than a light workout (I did legs) in over a month. I’ve lost 20 lbs (currently around 206), yet I still feel strong and look, well, I’m probably the best looking human being to have ever existed, but that’s besides the point.

“No matter how many steroids you take, you won’t maintain size off cycle or through sickness if you haven’t built ‘real’ muscle,” Ryan continued. “It’s why you see guys go from 235 to 170 on vs. off cycle. Even though I’m malnourished and dying, I’m still me. You can’t cut corners and expect proper results. This is something [Nathalia Santoro] taught me seven years ago, and I finally get what she means. More to come and fingers crossed these new meds keep helping.”

Ryan, 28, was scheduled to compete at a UFC Fight Pass Invitational event on December 9 but withdrew from the contest due to a popped rib injury. He still intends to compete at the 2024 ADCC tournament which kicks off this March in New Mexico.

BJJ superstar Gordon Ryan likens Jon Jones to GSP: ‘The way he combines everything is on another level’

Jon JonesBJJ icon Gordon Ryan was very impressed with the grappling skills of undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones during…

Jon Jones

BJJ icon Gordon Ryan was very impressed with the grappling skills of undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones during their week of training.

Originally scheduled to headline UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 on December 10, Ryan was forced to withdraw due to a rib injury. Still, that didn’t stop the greatest grappler on the planet from taking in the action live inside The APEX in Las Vegas. In the main event of the evening, Nicholas Meregali defeated Felipe Pena via a rear-naked choke while Nicky Rod added another win to his resume, besting Yuri Simoes on points.

Following the festivities, Gordon Ryan spoke with media members at the post-fight press event. While there, he opened up about his training sessions with Jon Jones in October.

“With Jon Jones, he’s very similar to GSP (George St. Pierre) in that he’s not the best in any one area, but the way he combines everything is just on another level,” Ryan said. Even just grappling. Like, his ability to intuitively change his gameplay from, you know, the start of the roll to the end of the roll, from round to round, is incredibly impressive.

“So the most impressive thing is, obviously, his ability to put everything together, but his ability to adapt as the match goes on and change the game plan per what you’re doing. I was very impressed with him as a person and as an athlete all around.“

Gordon Ryan Heaps Praise on Jon Jones’ Ability to Pick Things up quickly

Jon Jones was in the process of preparing for a heavyweight superfight with former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic at UFC 296. Sadly, ‘Bones’ was forced to withdraw after suffering a pectoral tear weeks before fight night.

He recently underwent surgery and is expected to be out for six to eight months, putting his potential return around summer 2024 at the earliest.

“You always go in and you don’t know what to expect from you’re training with athletes from other sports,” Ryan added. Obviously, he doesn’t focus on jiu-jitsu, but his wrestling is top-notch. His jiu-jitsu is tough and he’s good from everywhere. He learns incredibly quickly. Most of the time, you see guys… Young athletes usually learn a lot faster. It’s like the old saying, you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but he’s nearing 40 now, and everything I taught him…

“If I taught him five things and he instantly picked up three, he’d instantly put those three things into his game and he was hitting them 100 times better from the start of the week to the end. He was a really impressive person to be around.“

Gordon Ryan has not competed in BJJ since scoring a victory over Nicky Rod at a Fight Pass Invitational event in December 2022. He is expected to be back on the mat in 2024.