In the realm of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones stand out as prominent figures. However, recently Ryan turned the spotlight on what he perceives as a ‘concerning double standard’ within the BJJ community.
Gordon Ryan boasts an unblemished record spanning 49 matches and holds the title of one of the best no-gi BJJ grapplers of all time. But the spotlight turned to him for his comments on the use of PEDs in the sport, which he openly acknowledged.
Expressing his frustration, Ryan noted that online fans labeled him an “a**hole” due to his candid statements on PEDs. In a pointed comparison, he pointed out that these very fans admire Craig Jones, despite the Australian athlete appearing to endorse coke use.
Following Jones’ victory over Felipe Pena at the UFC Invitational 3, he casually mentioned his plan to indulge in partying at Hakkasan Nightclub in Las Vegas.
Ryan, taking to Instagram, vented his exasperation at the double standards exhibited by online BJJ enthusiasts, stating:
“Someone being honest about taking ster0ids in jiu-jitsu. Internet – he’s an a**hole. Someone being honest about taking steroids and being a coke head. Internet – he’s the man. What a role model.”
Craig Jones responded with a touch of humor, hinting at his recent “Nose Beers” T-shirt release. Jones’ Instagram post teased the merchandise:
“Nose beers back in stock next week.”
This reference aligns with the unveiled “Nose Beers” T-shirt, which humorously pokes at the recreational use.
Amidst this discourse, it’s worth mentioning that Gordon Ryan recently engaged in training alongside heavyweight champion Jon Jones, preparing for his bout with Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November. Ryan shared his insights about the experience on Instagram:
“Say what you want about him, but he was nothing but spectacular as a person. On the mats- when Jon talks about normal stuff, he can come off just like anyone you know, a regular guy…”
“…When he talks about combat, you see an intentional shift in his demeanor and thought process. You see the gears start turning, and you see the depth at which he understands the sport. I threw some complicated sequences at him, and he learned as fast as anyone….”
These developments bring to light the complexities within the BJJ world, from controversies to camaraderie, showcasing the diverse aspects that shape this captivating sport.
