Decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Gordon Ryan has been ruled out of ever competing in UFC BJJ by the division’s leader.
Considered one of the best modern-day submission grapplers of his generation, Gordon Ryan has long been linked with a potential move to UFC BJJ — following the launch of the submission grappling format.
Out of action since the summer of last year, Ryan most recently competed at ADCC 2024, landing a pair of points wins over both Felipe Pena and then Yuri Simons.
However, amid the recent acquisition of another decorated star, Mikey Musumeci, don’t expect Ryan to follow suit and join UFC BJJ in the future whatsoever.
Claudia Gadelha rules Gordon Ryan from UFC BJJ move
Heading up the newly-launched promotion, Brazilian star Claudia Gadelha — a former title challenger against Polish veteran Joanna Jedrzejczyk — has taken up a director role in the organization.
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However, given his open discourse regarding his prior PED (performance-enhancing drugs) and steroid use, Ryan has been ditched as a potential signing by UFC BJJ, according to former strawweight title challenger Gadelha.
“Yes, [testing] will come in because we want to professionalize the sport,” Gadelha told Connect Cast. “So, it’s the best in the world against the best, right? The best in the world against the best in the clean world.
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“It’s not the most doped, no. No longer doped. And Gordon will never compete in UFC BJJ,” Gadelha explained. “If you’re doped, you won’t compete. So without dope (sic), there is no Gordon.”
Gordon Ryan’s past PED admission
Speaking openly regarding his PED and steroid use, Ryan revealed the reasoning for his use of the supplements.
Namely, the New Jersey native claimed the use stemmed from numerous stomach issues and repeated staph infections. Furthermore, Ryan admitted the lack of anti-doping testing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition left the door firmly open for the use of PEDs.
“People can make arguments where it’s not healthy for you, and there are long-term side effects and things like that,” Ryan said on his YouTube channel. “I understand that, but at the same time, Michael Jordan quote: I am trying to win at all costs,” Ryan stated.
“Even if it were to take 20 years off of my life, I wouldn’t regret doing the things that I’ve done to become the greatest of all time in this sport. Because ultimately, when I die, my legacy is what’s going to be remembered.”