A recent compilation video has captured something unexpected about Gordon Ryan—a series of self-deprecating apologies that reveal a surprisingly vulnerable side of the normally brash grappling superstar.
The footage, compiled from various instructional DVDs, shows Ryan repeatedly apologizing for his appearance at the start of his training videos.
“Listen to me. If you guys watch our DVDs, I’m going to give a discount. For every time, every time, before we start a video, Gordon comes like, Hey guys, sorry I look like this because of that,” his longtime partner Nathalia Santoro explains.
Throughout the montage, Ryan can be heard making numerous excuses: “Hi guys, hey, I look like this because we’ve been traveling, because we’ve been busy. Every DVD, I promise you that. Gordon comes up, Hey guys, sorry I look like this because, always an excuse.”
The pattern becomes almost comical as Ryan continues across different instructionals: “When I left the house, my hair didn’t look this terrible and long and near homeless level, but we’ve been here for a weekend and now it’s growing, so I’m sorry you have to look at this.”
In another clip, he states: “I’m sorry, I look like a slob. I tried to get a haircut before I came here, but I just, it didn’t happen.” And in yet another: “My hair is way too long. My beard is scraggly. I look like a caveman, so I couldn’t get a haircut. I’m sorry that you’re going to have to look at this, the entire instructional.”
Ryan recently revealed a new polarizing look.
Quite a stark contrast from what we’re used to from him.
The compilation has sparked discussion about Ryan’s apparent insecurity about his appearance, with many noting this represents a stark contrast to his typically confident public persona. Comments from the grappling community suggest this vulnerability makes him more relatable than he’s appeared in years.
“First of all, I apologize in advance if I’m scratching my head. We’re both a disaster today,” Ryan says in one clip, while in another he warns viewers: “If I just progressively get more and more sweaty through this instructional, I’m sorry.”
The video reveals a pattern of self-consciousness that extends across multiple DVD releases, suggesting these aren’t isolated incidents but a consistent habit of the decorated grappler. For someone known for his outspoken confidence in competition and on social media, these repeated apologies paint a picture of someone genuinely concerned about how others perceive him.
The compilation has resonated with fans who rarely see this more human side of Ryan, offering a glimpse behind the carefully crafted public image of one of grappling’s most polarizing figures. While he may dominate on the mats with unwavering confidence, these moments suggest that like many people, he’s not immune to worrying about his appearance when the cameras are rolling.
