Gordon Ryan’s Digestive Dilemmas: Another Hiatus Sparks Curiosity for ADCC 2024!
Gordon Ryan, the grappling maestro and reigning heavyweight champion in the Who’s Number One (WNO) circuit, has once again thrust himself into an unexpected sabbatical from the competitive arena. This time, it’s not the allure of rivalry or the thrill of victory keeping him away, but a persistent nemesis – stomach issues.
In a surprising Instagram post, the ADCC +99kg and Superfight champion expressed his regret at having to sit out most competitions in 2024, except for the upcoming ADCC World Championships set to unfold in the scorching heat of Las Vegas this August.
It’s a déjà vu moment for the grappling community as Ryan, hailed as the sport’s pound-for-pound grappler extraordinaire, has a history of grappling with health setbacks. The plot thickens with each chapter of his career, each twist revealing a determined fighter battling not just opponents on the mat but also his bodily challenges.
This is not Gordon Ryan’s first time sidelined due to health concerns. In 2021, he navigated a labyrinth of stomach issues, compelling him to spend a considerable part of the year on the bench. However, a triumphant return in 2022 at the ADCC World Championships, where he clinched gold in the +99kg division and added the ADCC Superfight title to his accolades, suggested a resilient comeback.
Yet, the script took an unexpected turn in 2023. A highly anticipated fourth match against rival Felipe Pena was abruptly canceled, with Ryan citing a stomach virus. The echoes of disappointment lingered, as the anticipated showdown remained unbooked.
May 2023 saw Ryan declaring another leave of absence. In November of the same year, scheduled matches against Lucas Barbosa and Mason Fowler had to be abandoned, with health concerns again taking center stage.
Despite the rollercoaster of setbacks, Gordon Ryan remains steadfast. His determination to compete in the 2024 ADCC World Championships reveals an indomitable spirit, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return to the grappling spotlight.
The grappling world may be on pause for now, but the tale of Gordon Ryan’s indomitable spirit continues, promising future chapters of triumph and resilience on the mats.
