BJJ star Gordon Ryan retiring? Danaher believes star pupil won’t compete again

Welcome to the BJJ Beat! On this recurring function, we’ll sort out the most important information from the skilled grappling scene, and roll every part up in an simply digestible and acquainted jiu-jitsu format.

Heat Ups

BJJ coach John Danaher leaks Gordon Ryan’s retirement?

John Danaher not too long ago revealed his New Wave line up for the $1 million group event at CJI 2. Misplaced within the fold in that announcement, had been his statements on his star pupil’s standing.

Whereas Gordon Ryan proclaimed that he would slightly take a “shotgun blast to the face” than be part of Craig Jones’ occasion, Danaher revealed slightly extra in regards to the BJJ star’s inactivity. He says Ryan gained’t simply be out for CJI 2, he is likely to be sidelined for good.

“Gordon (Ryan) may be very sick at this level,” Danaher advised FloGrappling. “So I don’t consider he’ll be competing once more.”

Gordon Ryan has been principally inactive and selective of his opponents as of late. The adorned BJJ star remains to be simply 29-years-old, however has been coping with severe well being points for years now.

Whereas Ryan blames his well being points on “recurring staph infections” as a substitute of heavy PED use, he additionally claimed he’d willingly lose ‘20 years off of my life’ from steroids to be the BJJ GOAT.

Ought to he certainly retire earlier than even turning 30, Ryan will nonetheless depart the game as probably the most achieved no gi grappler ever, and simply among the many best opponents in BJJ historical past. Ryan has gained six ADCC titles (plus an additional 2024 tremendous battle), two IBJJF no gi world championships, and different professional titles with WNO and EBI.

Danaher himself additionally revealed that he’ll probably retire from teaching professional athletes as a consequence of numerous surgical procedures he wants, so if each retirements do turn out to be official, Ryan might conceivably take his place or begin his personal factor. Both manner, Ryan has a profitable path exterior competitors, with him already incomes good cash in BJJ instructionals, seminars and training.

Drills

BJJ legend Andre Galvao teases return

Whereas Gordon Ryan is inching in the direction of retirement, one other BJJ all-time nice is seemingly taking a look at a comeback. Andre Galvao, a winner of six ADCC titles and 5 IBJJF world championships, teased a return at age 42.

Galvao famous how he’s “severely fascinated with competing once more” and posted a ballot a few comeback on his Instagram tales (HT: JitsMagazine).

Galvao can be among the many finest BJJ opponents of all time, successful dozens of main titles in each gi and no gi. He additionally has a 5-2 document in MMA, the place he competed in DREAM and Strikeforce. Galvao’s final competitors was simply days earlier than he turned 40, the place he misplaced his ADCC tremendous battle title to Gordon Ryan in 2022.

Transfer of the Day

Invicta FC fighter finishes uncommon standing anaconda choke… twice!

This occurred in an MMA battle at Invicta FC 61, however watch a referee utterly mess up and miss the faucet. Taynara Silva not solely received a uncommon standing anaconda choke end, she needed to repeatedly crank and end her opponent there twice!

Rolls

PJ Barch pulls out of (nonetheless stacked) grand prix at BJJ Heroes 15

WNO 27 is likely to be probably the most anticipated BJJ occasion this month for good motive, however BJJ Stars 15’s middleweight grand prix isn’t one thing to overlook — regardless of it not too long ago taking a success.

The Brazil-based promotion not too long ago introduced that ADCC 2024 bronze medalist PJ Barch has pulled out of the April 26 occasion as a consequence of damage. Taking his slot within the GP will probably be his teammate Jon Thor.

Regardless of Barch bowing out, the grand prix — and the complete occasion usually — remains to be fairly stacked, which can function a prime pound-for-pound grappler Mica Galvao, together with different huge names and BJJ champs like Jonnatas Gracie, Oliver Taza, and Elijah Dorsey. Different super-fights on the cardboard contain two-time ADCC champion Diogo Reis, and adorned IBJJF champions similar to Gabi Pessanha, Adam Wardzinski and Erich Munis.

BJJ Stars 15 Battle Card

April 26, 2025

Middleweight GP:

Mica Galvao
Jonnatas Gracie
Gabriel Almeida
Isaque Bahiense
Oliver Taza
Elijah Dorsey
Izaak Michell
Jon Thor

Tremendous fights:

Diogo Reis vs. Meyram Maquine
Gabi Pessanha vs. Tayane Porfirio
Adam Wardzinski vs. Erich Munis
Leonardo Ferreira vs. Hygor Brito

Cooldown

Mica Galvao joins Brazilian Military

Talking of Mica Galvao, the BJJ prodigy definitely desires to do quite a lot of issues. Regardless of already being one of many prime pound-for-pound jiu-jitsu stars right now, the 21 12 months previous phenom has additionally spoken about eager to compete in MMA and even strive his hand at Olympic wrestling.

Extra not too long ago, “Seargent” Mica Galvao additionally introduced that he has joined the Brazilian Military.

“I didn’t enter for the cash. I entered for a mission,” Galvao wrote in Portuguese. “I’ve all the time represented Brazil on the mats. Now, I additionally characterize it in uniform.

“Any further, each time my aggressive calendar permits, I’ll make myself out there to take part in the actual missions that the Military carries out with excellence — whether or not supporting communities, solidarity missions or wherever the Brazilian individuals want it,” he continued.

“I need to do extra. To actually serve,” Galvao acknowledged. “As a result of Brazil is my group. And now, it is usually my mission.”

This resolution isn’t utterly shocking, as Galvao has all the time expressed patriotism and love for his nation. Whereas many Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champions from the area moved to the US for higher paydays and alternatives, Mica and his father Melqui Galvao have stayed and saved their health club in Brazil.

In 2024, Galvao achieved a uncommon distinction of a “Tremendous Grand Slam Winner,” as he gained all 4 main IBJJF competitions within the gi, together with an ADCC world championship.

Evaluation

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