“This is probably one of the fattest I’ve ever been,” Ryan revealed, currently weighing in at 247 pounds. With characteristic frankness, he added, “You can hardly see my abs, but when I start a cycle, it’s going to go right from here right up to my shoulders, so it’ll be fine.”
This latest admission comes amid Ryan’s broader discussion about PED use in competitive jiu-jitsu, where he’s taken an increasingly transparent stance. The champion recently disclosed that he began using performance enhancers in 2016, coinciding with his move up from the 77kg weight class. His initial decision, he explained, was influenced by both the legal status of PEDs in jiu-jitsu at the time and his desire to avoid competing against then-coach
Gary Tonon.
Ryan’s perspective on PEDs reflects a broader philosophy about legacy and longevity in the sport.
“I would rather die with a legacy at 50 years old than just be a normal guy dying at 70 or 80 years old,” he declared, referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger as an example of someone who used performance enhancers yet remains healthy at an advanced age.
The timing of Ryan’s training hiatus coincides with ongoing health struggles that have plagued him since 2018. Speaking on Jake Shields‘ podcast, Ryan detailed how repeated rounds of antibiotics for staph infections devastated his gut biome, leading to chronic stomach issues. Ryan refutes claims his intense health problems are related to his admitted PED use.
During his 2024 ADCC camp, these health challenges limited him to just 18 quality training sessions in the final 10 days before competition.
Ryan has also become increasingly critical of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s stance on PED testing, arguing that their isolated testing policy has diminished the quality of major competitions.
“The level of athletes at Worlds and NOGI Worlds since they started testing has drastically diminished,” he noted, advocating for either universal testing across all organizations or continued acceptance of PED use.
Despite his current physical state and training hiatus, Ryan maintains his recovery routine in his impressive outdoor setup featuring Joe Rogan’s line of sponsored luxury products.
Ryan’s frank discussions about PEDs have also led him to challenge those who claim moral superiority for competing naturally. He argues that history remembers winners and losers, not the circumstances of their victories, taking particular aim at competitors like
Nick Rodriguez, who has proven through random testing that he competes without PEDs.
Looking ahead, Ryan’s competitive future appears to hinge on resolving his ongoing health issues.
“If my stomach just got better I would compete until I was like 40,” he told Jake Shields a while ago.
For now, he’s focusing on recovery and his online presence. Despite the fact he’s arguably the biggest star in BJJ, Ryan has been struggling to find his footing on YouTube.
His current physical transformation and candid admissions offer a rare glimpse into the reality of elite athletics during the off-season, complete with its cycles of performance enhancement, recovery, and the constant battle between health and competitive excellence.
