Gordon Ryan versus Josh Saunders was the showdown that had the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community buzzing for weeks. On June 20, 2024, at Who's Number One (WNO) 24 in Austin, Texas, these two clashed in a match that was as much about skill and strategy as it was about raw strength and athleticism. In case you missed it, the full match can be found here:

From the outset, Ryan showcased his typical aggressive style, immediately targeting Saunders' legs. Saunders, known for his exceptional strength, managed to fend off Ryan's initial attacks with remarkable defense. For folks that know Gordan Ryan, there was not doubt his relentless pursuit and technical superiority soon began to shine. He transitioned to his top game, where he swept Saunders and passed his guard multiple times, eventually securing a heel hook submission at 8:33 into the 15-minute match. This victory not only reaffirmed Ryan's dominance but also highlighted the intricate dance of technique over brute strength.

Josh Saunders is a Rising Star

We all know Gordon Ryan, the undisputed king of no-gi grappling. This guy has been dominating the sport for years, with his last loss way back in 2018. Ryan’s technical skills, strategic approach, and ability to finish matches from various positions make him a living legend. He’s the guy everyone wants to beat but no one can. So, we won’t dwell too much on him – because really, what more can be said about a man with few, if any, weaknesses?

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Now, Josh Saunders – that’s a different beast altogether. Imagine an ex-pro football player turned BJJ competitor, who was pushing elite-level powerlifting numbers before he even set foot on a mat. Saunders is not just strong; he’s incredibly athletic and has adapted his raw power into a sport-specific advantage that leaves most grapplers quaking in their gis.

Standing at a towering 6’4” and usually weighing around 115kg, Saunders is lean, mean, and terrifyingly strong. He could easily bulk up and tip the scales at over 270 lbs if he wanted to, still maintaining an athletic build. Even for someone like Gordon, a guy this big, strong, and athletic poses a significant challenge. And trust me, Saunders isn’t just another strong heavyweight; he’s a grappling force with a unique game.

Josh is likely the strongest athlete in the sport right now. We're talking about a former professional football player who was hitting elite-level powerlifting numbers before he even started grappling. But what sets Josh apart isn't just his ability to lift heavy; it's his ability to translate that strength into athleticism and sport-specific advantage. He's done this remarkably well.

Josh has a specific game plan for high-level competition. He prefers low-risk standup, focusing on Greco-Roman and judo techniques rather than leg attacks. His goal is often to secure a rear body lock or turtle position, from where he relentlessly hunts for the back. Once there, his long legs can body lock almost anyone, and he mercilessly pursues the rear-naked choke (RNC). If a clean choke isn’t available, he uses mandible strangles. His long limbs are a significant advantage here, allowing him to wrap up opponents of any size.

If the back isn't available, Josh will often transition through half guard, mount, gift wrap, and back sequences. He's on par with anyone in the world in this sequence.

Gordan Ryan FTW

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Gordon Ryan, the reigning WNO Heavyweight and ADCC Super Fight Champion, had been sidelined for months due to health problems. Despite his absence from competition, he remained undefeated since 2018, boasting a 55-match winning streak. This streak, along with the caliber of his opponents, had solidified his status as the top pound-for-pound grappler in the world. With the 2024 ADCC World Championships approaching in August, where he's slated to face Yuri Simoes, Ryan’s win against Josh Saunders was crucial.

As the Josh Saunders match played-out, it became evident that Ryan's experience and technical prowess were the deciding factors. Saunders' strength and athleticism were impressive, but Ryan's ability to adapt and control the match was unparalleled. By securing the heel hook submission, Ryan demonstrated once again why he is considered the best in the sport.

This victory improved Ryan's perfect WNO record to 9-0, further cementing his legacy as the heavyweight king of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For Saunders, the match was a valuable learning experience, highlighting the areas where he needs to improve to compete at the highest levels.

For Saunders, the encounter with Ryan underscores the importance of technical refinement. While his strength is a tremendous asset, the bout has shown him the level of technical proficiency required to beat the best. If he can integrate these lessons into his training, Saunders has the potential to become a formidable force in the BJJ world.

The clash between Gordon Ryan and Josh Saunders was more than just a fight; it was a captivating story of skill, strategy, and strength. As both athletes move forward, their paths are sure to cross again, promising more thrilling encounters and the continued evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, keep your eyes peeled – this rivalry is just heating up!

OSS.