Gordon Ryan criticizes Kron Gracie’s traditional jiu jitsu approach in MMA and compares it to Chimaev and Makhachev

“Traditional old school jiu-jitsu just isn’t enough to translate into mixed martial arts,” Ryan asserted.

Ryan pointed out that while traditional jiu-jitsu has its merits, it lacks the adaptability required to succeed against today’s diverse styles. He contrasted Gracie’s approach with the hybrid grappling techniques employed by stars like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Khamzat Chimaev, and Islam Makhachev.

Khabib’s Winning Formula

Ryan praised Khabib Nurmagomedov for his ability to merge jiu-jitsu and wrestling into a cohesive “submission wrestling” style that is both effective and dominant in MMA.

“If you look at Khabib, he used pretty much only jiu-jitsu, but he just kind of transcended wrestling and transcended jiu-jitsu where it was like more of a submission wrestling game,” Ryan explained.

This adapted style, Ryan argued, is closer to the ADCC ruleset than traditional jiu-jitsu, enabling fighters to excel in a broader range of scenarios. By integrating various grappling disciplines, Khabib was able to neutralize opponents with superior control and ground tactics.

Chimaev and Makhachev: The New Era of MMA Grappling

Ryan also highlighted the success of Khamzat Chimaev and Islam Makhachev as prime examples of fighters who have effectively adapted grappling for MMA. He noted their ability to dominate opponents with techniques that blend elements of wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

“You need guys like Khamzat, you need guys like Khabib, you need guys like Islam,” Ryan said. “While these fighters might not win against elite pure jiu-jitsu practitioners in a grappling match, their adapted style makes them more effective in MMA.”

Ryan particularly praised their ability to control opponents against the fence, emphasizing their strategic use of body weight and positional dominance to tire adversaries. Fighters like Khabib, he noted, would allow opponents to stand up only to drag them back down, forcing them to carry his weight repeatedly.

Ryan’s Take on Kron Gracie’s Performance

Kron Gracie’s recent MMA performance, where he heavily relied on traditional jiu-jitsu techniques, sparked criticism from Ryan and UFC President Dana White alike. While Gracie’s dedication to the art form is undeniable, Ryan argued that a lack of evolution in his strategy rendered him less effective in the cage.

“Khabib did it the same way as Kron’s doing it, but Khabib did a much better job of transcending jiu-jitsu and transcending wrestling and kind of merging them together to become successful,” Ryan stated.

Ryan’s critique underscores the necessity for fighters to adapt their techniques to the demands of modern MMA. As grappling continues to evolve, the ability to innovate and integrate multiple styles will remain a key determinant of success in the sport.