Their recent social media exchange has set the stage for what could be an exciting matchup, blending the worlds of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.
Gordon Ryan recently shared details of a conversation with Pat Downey, a accomplished wrestler who recently competed at CJI. The exchange revealed Downey’s bold claim that Ryan would no longer be able to sweep or hold him down in a grappling match. This assertion comes despite their previous encounter, where Ryan had the upper hand.
Ryan, responded to Downey’s claims with characteristic confidence. In a social media post, Ryan explained, “This is a very easy way to test that,” implying his willingness to prove Downey wrong.
The potential matchup has generated some buzz in the grappling community. Downey, excited about the prospect, stated, “I’m gonna put our sessions on my IG live. I’ll just show the proof to the planet.”
Ryan , rising to the occasion, proposed specific terms for their encounter. He suggested, “We make a yt video of us wrestling to the 1st point in adcc rules. 1st to 3 scores win. So I can show everyone I can out wrestle you in accordance with adcc scoring.” He added that the match would take place once his knee has healed, indicating current injury concerns.
This potential matchup comes at an interesting time for both athletes. Ryan has been dealing with his own health issues, including an LCL injury from ADCC two months ago and ongoing stomach problems that have affected his weight maintenance. These issues have led to Ryan’s on-again, off-again retirement talks over the past few years.
The challenge from Downey follows a recent $1 million challenge match proposed by Nicky Rod, which Ryan responded to with a set of conditions that some viewed as unrealistic.
Downey put on a show at Craig Jones Invitational this past summer but failed to get past Adam Bradley, which Ryan finds particularly offensive given his long standing feud with Bradley.
