In a throwback appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show #129, jiu-jitsu superstar Gordon Ryan made a surprising admission about no time limit matches in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, calling the format “horrible” for spectators despite its effectiveness at determining true skill.
During the conversation with Rogan and ADCC organizer Mo Jassim, Ryan discussed his infamous no time limit match with Felipe Pena, reflecting on why these matches are problematic for growing the sport’s popularity.
“No time limit matches for spectators are just atrocious,” Ryan stated bluntly. “Because who the f*** wants to watch 10 minutes of jiu-jitsu? So who wants to watch like a two-hour match?”
Ryan acknowledged that while no time limit matches serve an important purpose in determining who truly is the better grappler, they’re fundamentally at odds with creating an entertaining product for casual viewers.
“They’re important to have sometimes just to show who’s the best because you actually have to do jiu-jitsu and know how to do submissions,” Ryan explained. “There’s no stalling and playing tactics for 10 minutes and winning by advantage or two points.”
The ADCC champion and widely regarded greatest no-gi grappler of all time went on to emphasize that this purist approach isn’t viable for expanding jiu-jitsu’s audience:
“They have their place, but to build the sport to a spectator sport, no time limit’s not the way.”
This is especially hilarious considering it was Ryan that insisted on these repeatedly over the years and ultimately even strong-armed Flograppling in putting him in them.
Ryan‘s own experience with marathon matches speaks to this problem. During the podcast, he mentioned his match with Keenan Cornelius lasted an astonishing one hour and forty-five minutes, a duration that would test even the most dedicated jiu-jitsu fans’ patience.
This highlighted the ongoing challenge the sport faces: balancing competitive integrity with entertainment value. While true jiu-jitsu purists might appreciate the tactical chess match of a no time limit contest, the format presents significant barriers to attracting new fans.
Ryan‘s candid assessment suggests that the worst mistake BJJ promotions are making is catering to specific requests — and indulging formats that would preclude a larger audience from enjoying the show.
