Gordon Ryan leaves door open on retirement with ADCC 2024 looming
Gordon Ryan will compete in two super fights at the 2024 edition of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) World Championships, which will take place on 17-18 August. However, with 'The King' still dealing with severe health problems, he admitted that ADCC 2024 may be his final appearance in the sport.
Ryan has suffered from a suspected bacterial imbalance in his digestive system for years, leaving him unable to eat or train properly for months at a time. Since 2022, he has taken a major step back from competition, having only competed once in 2023 and 2024.
'The King' was even forced to retire in 2021 due to his debilitating health issues, but the now 29-year-old has managed to return to competition, albeit with some difficulty.
As one of the greatest no-gi grapplers of all time, all eyes will be on the American to see how he handles back-to-back super fights at ADCC 2024, something never done before in competition history.
Ahead of the tournament, Ryan was interviewed by FloGrappling, where he was asked about potentially retiring after this year's edition of ADCC. He said this:
"I don't know. My health has been rough lately, so I don't want to say I'm going to retire but it's very tiring doing camps like I'm doing them right now. So I'll leave it open ended, but it's exhausting feeling like I feel everyday and having to fight the best guys in the world."
Watch Gordon Ryan's interview below (8:15):
Who will Gordon Ryan face at ADCC 2024?
Gordon Ryan, arguably the most dominant submission grappler of all time, will appear on both Saturday and Sunday at ADCC 2024.
Having remained unbeaten since 2018, 'The King' will face both Yuri Simoes and Felipe Pena - the last man to defeat Ryan at ADCC - at this year's edition.
Pena will have the chance to become the first competitor to win three medals at ADCC. He will compete in the +99KG division, face Ryan in a super fight, and potentially compete in the open weight division.
While Ryan will have to chance to medal twice, with his two super fights against Pena and Simoes.
Pena is the only man in grappling to hold a winning record against 'The King', at 2-1, and will be eager to extend that lead in August. Whilst Simoes will be hoping to cause an upset and defeat Ryan for the first time.
See ADCC announce Gordon Ryan's super fights below: