Gordon Ryan, a name synonymous with jiu-jitsu excellence, has undeniably reached a level of mastery that few can match. At just 28 years old, Ryan has already established himself as one of the greatest No Gi jiu-jitsu competitors of all time. He boasts an impressive 82% submission rate, a statistic shared with the legendary Roger Gracie.
Recently, Ryan made a triumphant return to the mat during the Tezos WNO (Who’s No. 1) 20 grappling tournament. His absence from competition throughout the year due to illness had left fans eagerly anticipating his comeback. And he didn’t disappoint. Stepping onto the mat to defend his WNO heavyweight title, Ryan showcased his brilliance in a way that only ‘The King’ could!
Gordon Ryan receives an honest message from opponent after their bout
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Facing off against Patrick Gaudio, a formidable opponent in his own right, Ryan demonstrated why he is considered one of the most dangerous figures in the sport. He secured a slick armbar after dominating much of the matchup. Slicing through Gaudio’s defenses with ease before isolating the arm and prompting the tap. As is customary with Ryan, it appeared that he could have chosen any technique to finish his opponent.
Gaudio, acknowledging Ryan’s dominance, expressed his appreciation in a heartfelt Instagram post. He stated,” Thank you very much for the fight, you made me get out of bed every day and work hard. I had a great prep for this fight and no injuries. I was 100% healthy and confident. Getting back on my workouts and looking for steady improvement. Thanks again for the fight and congratulations on your performance.”
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In response, Ryan extended an offer to train together in the future. Exemplifying the camaraderie and respect that exists within the jiu-jitsu community. However, there was one more thing that captured the fans’ attention after the event was over!
Ryan might be the ‘Mystic Mac’ of jiu-jitsu
Before the bout, Ryan had confidently proclaimed his victory and hinted at a mystery box in his possession. He promised to unveil its contents after the event, generating anticipation within the combat sports community.
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Following his title defense, Ryan opened the mystery box, revealing its intriguing contents to the public. Inside, there lay a bottle of Conor McGregor’s renowned whiskey, Proper No.12, alongside a doll. And a note with a simple message: “Armbar, that’s the proper way to perform an armbar.” Ryan also shared an image of the box’s contents on his Instagram. Showcasing his acumen for promotion as the caption linked to his latest grappling instructional tape!
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With each victory, Gordon Ryan moves one step closer to etching his name in the annals of no-gi jiu-jitsu history as one of the sport’s greatest competitors. His dedication, unwavering mindset, and mastery of the art are evident in his ability to dispatch formidable opponents like Gaudio with such ease. As the future unfolds, the question remains: what lies next for the 28-year-old Ryan, and will he continue to assert his dominance in the world of jiu-jitsu? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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