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Gordon Ryan, a name that sparks both admiration and controversy, is now being hailed as the greatest grappler of all time by none other than UFC veteran and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Kenny Florian. As Ryan prepares for two high-stakes super fights at the ADCC World Championships in Las Vegas, Florian doesn't mince words in comparing Ryan to the legends of the sport, dubbing him "the Michael Jordan of submission wrestling."
Ryan’s upcoming back-to-back matches, where he will face his longtime rival Felipe Pena and 2022 ADCC champion Yuri Simoes, highlight his relentless pursuit of greatness. Florian, who is set to commentate on the event, is in awe of Ryan’s willingness to tackle such a formidable challenge, especially after a prolonged battle with a debilitating stomach disorder.
“Gordon Ryan at his best, when he’s healthy, he’s the Michael Jordan of submission wrestling, whether you like it or not,” Florian told MMA Fighting. “He was a phenom when he was younger. He committed any other person out there. He has just so much to his game. There are so many ways that he can win. Everything from his defense to his offense, he’s as perfect of a grappler as you’re going to get.”
Ryan’s journey to the top hasn’t been easy. Despite his health issues, the 29-year-old has managed to build an impressive winning streak, with his last loss dating back to 2018 against Vinny Magalhaes. Since then, he has systematically dismantled champion after champion, earning the nickname "The King."
Florian firmly believes that Ryan’s dominance has solidified his status as the greatest submission grappler of all time.
“There’s no question about it,” Florian asserted. “You have to have him as the GOAT. To me, there are three grapplers that really stand out—Marcelo Garcia, Roger Gracie, and Gordon Ryan. The sport evolves, and we have Gordon Ryan because of that evolution.”
But Ryan’s impact on the sport extends beyond his achievements on the mat. Known for his brash personality and willingness to talk trash, Ryan has become one of the most polarizing figures in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. While his confidence has earned him a legion of fans, it has also made him a target for criticism.
Florian acknowledges that Ryan’s bold persona only adds to the drama surrounding his matches. With the ADCC World Championships on the horizon, emotions are running high, especially given Ryan’s ongoing feud with Pena, who holds two victories over him.
“Gordon Ryan isn’t 100 percent or hasn’t been,” Florian noted, hinting at the possibility of an upset. “Just based on their history, the fact that [Ryan and Pena] really do not like each other, it’s what makes it exciting.”
As the ADCC World Championships approach, all eyes will be on Gordon Ryan. Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Ryan is on the brink of further cementing his legacy as the GOAT of submission grappling.
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