“I Have Gotten Bashed Repeatedly for Sticking by His Side”- Despite Being a Controversial Personality, BJJ Goat Gordon Ryan’s Gracious Gesture Revealed by Ex-UFC Fighter

Ex-UFC fighter and BJJ competitor Tom DeBlass has shared a heartfelt birthday message on his Instagram for his good friend Gordon Ryan, widely considered the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner of all time. DeBlass shared a screenshot of text messages Ryan sent him before the 2017 ADCC, showing another side to the brash and loud Ryan, known for his trash talk and incredible skills on the mat.

Ryan is famous for his incredible physique and has won the ADCC five times. He earned a black belt under Garry Tonon and John Danaher, becoming Tonon’s first student to receive a black belt. And DeBlass explained in the post why he has always been supportive of him.

Tom DeBlass explains relationship with Gordon Ryan

Tom DeBlass has known Gordon Ryan since he was a kid, he revealed in the post and talked about how he has taken slack from the BJJ community for defending Ryan but does so because he has known him since he was a kid and sees a side to Ryan no one else does.

“As many of you know, Gordon is the most polarizing figure the sport has ever seen. I have gotten bashed repeatedly for sticking by his side. The issue is that I have known Gordon since he was a child. I see a side of Gordon no one else has seen.”

He also shared messages Gordon Ryan sent him, offering to sit out of the 2017 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Fighting World Championship, which was DeBlasse’s last, as a gesture of respect and goodwill.

“Tom, as you know I’d like to do the absolute.

But I have 10 more ADCCs. You have this one and only this one.

Are you interested in doing the absolute? Or should I?” Gordon wrote to DeBlass

He went on to wish Ryan peace of mind and a beautiful life off the mat. “My only wish for you, brother, is to find as much peace of mind as you have success on the mats. Imagine how beautiful your life will be?” he wrote, as the BJJ practitioner has been going through a tough time.

Ryan’s recent health scare

This comes as Ryan has been battling health issues. The American was hospitalized recently and treated, reportedly, for strep throat. But, he developed complications in the hospital when the infection remained unresponsive to antibiotics for nearly a month. Finally, 40 days after the treatment began, he went for tonsillectomy surgery.

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This prolonged health scare took its toll on the 28-year-old’s body, causing him to lose weight and muscle mass and affecting his excellent physique. However, the message from DeBlass would surely lift Ryan’s spirit.

Gordon Ryan may be one of the most divisive figures in BJJ history, but Tom DeBlass has clarified that he is firmly in Gordon’s corner. What are your thoughts on DeBlass’s birthday message for Gordon Ryan? Tell us in the comments below.

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