In the main event of Who’s Number One, the reigning heavyweight champion Gordon Ryan faced off against the massive Australian grappler Josh Saunders. This highly anticipated matchup did not disappoint, as the two elite heavyweights put on a grappling showcase for the packed crowd in Austin, Texas.
From the opening moments, it was clear that Ryan was intent on an early finish, immediately pulling guard and attacking Saunders’ legs. The current pound-for-pound king of no-gi grappling quickly set to work, using his world-class leg entanglements to threaten Saunders and search for potential submissions.
Despite Saunders’ size advantage, standing 6’4″ and weighing in at over 255 lbs, Ryan’s technical mastery and relentless pressure kept the challenger on the defensive. The Australian displayed impressive defensive acumen, but Ryan’s pummeling and underhook control consistently allowed him to gain dominant positions.
As the match wore on, Ryan methodically broke Saunders down, passing his guard and moving to mount. Though Saunders continued to fight off Ryan’s advances, the champion’s persistence paid off when he finally secured a tight leg lock submission late in the 15-minute contest.
In the post-fight interview, Ryan revealed that he had been dealing with a stomach issue during the warm-up, which only fueled his desire for a quick finish. However, when that did not materialize, he was forced to dig deep and grind out a full match against the resilient Saunders.
Gordon Ryan, Joe Rogan and Shane Gillis. https://t.co/RoVsdkAZPo pic.twitter.com/MexFiMAwar
— Christian Pyles (@CPyles8) June 21, 2024
With the win, Gordon Ryan improved his perfect Who’s Number One record to 9-0, cementing his status as the undisputed heavyweight king of the promotion. Attention now turns to his highly anticipated ADCC Superfight against Yuri Simoes, as well as the possibility of other top contenders emerging to challenge the dominant champion.
Overall, this was another dominant display from Gordon Ryan, who continues to separate himself as one of the greatest no-gi grapplers of all time. His ability to adapt and persevere, even when facing adversity, is a testament to his unparalleled skill and mental fortitude.
