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Tag: Gordon Ryan

  • Gordon Ryan Retires From Grappling, Cites Health Issues

    Gordon Ryan Retires From Grappling, Cites Health Issues

    Gordon Ryan has announced his retirement from competitive grappling due to ongoing health issues. The seven-time ADCC champion and three-time IBJJ No-Gi World champion cited recurring stomach and immune system problems stemming from staph infections and antibiotics that damaged his gut biome as the reason for stepping away from the sport.

    Ryan revealed on Instagram that he has been unable to train or lift intensely since January 2024 due to these health complications. Despite the challenges, he competed at ADCC 2024 at approximately 10% capability without proper preparation. His last competition was ADCC 2024, where he participated in three matches.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DU1AIl_iVZh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

    Future Plans

    Ryan stated, “For now, I can confidently say, I am done.” He plans to focus on coaching and growing Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu with a global affiliation program.

    While retiring from competition, Ryan left the door open for a potential return if his health improves. He also expressed interest in future matches against Vinny Magalhaes and Felipe Pena.

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

    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 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.”

  • ‘And People Act Like He Won’t Do This To Aspinall’ – Fans React To Video Of Jon Jones’ Elite Grappling With Gordon Ryan

    ‘And People Act Like He Won’t Do This To Aspinall’ – Fans React To Video Of Jon Jones’ Elite Grappling With Gordon Ryan

    Jon Jones may be the most skilled mixed martial artist that the sport has ever seen.

    What can easily be forgotten about when it comes to the skills that “Bones” brings to the table is his high-level grappling which he rarely uses.

    For the majority of his run in the light heavyweight division, Jones chose to strike with opponents instead which shows how well-rounded he is.

    Fans did get another quick glimpse at his grappling ability in his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane, where he was able to quickly secure a takedown and guillotine submission to become world champion in another weight class.

    With all of this being said, large sections of the MMA fanbase haven’t been willing to give Jones his flowers as of late due to the ongoing conversation around him and the interim champion, Tom Aspinall.

    MMA Fans React As Jon Jones Holds His Own With Gordon Ryan

    A recent video on social media showed yet another look at Jones’ high-level grappling as he mixed it up on the mats with Gordon Ryan.

    As well as being a big and powerful athlete, Ryan is one of the best jiu-jitsu competitors ever and at least in this clip, “Bones” is able to hold his own.

    As is the case with everything that Jones posts as of late, many of the replies underneath were in reference to a potential fight with Aspinall, which fans have been very outspoken about.

    Whilst some believe that this fight is to make instead of having him return against Stipe Miocic, others have sided with the heavyweight champion and believe that the Aspinall hype train has gotten out of hand.

    “And people act like he won’t do this to Aspinall in a f***in heartbeat”

    “BREAKING NEWS Dana White’s burner account gets leaked under the account name ‘blonded’”

    “I realized after he cooked Gane”

    “People don’t realize how small Gordon Ryan is compared to Tom Aspinall.”

    “Jones would beat Aspinall easily. Respect the GOAT”

    https://twitter.com/DeWizard7/status/1821771447137636662

    “No way you think Gordon Ryan was actually trying???”

    “I don’t wanna hear anybody saying Aspinall beats him”

    Read also: TJ Dillashaw Criticises Anthony Smith: ‘He Doesn’t Have That Dog In Him…’