Gordon Ryan is at the center of a new controversy but this time it is not for his political statements, it is for appearing in a collaborative video with Derek “Moneyberg” Buskowski, a figure whose presence in the BJJ community has drawn criticism from some fans.
The timing has drawn attention. Just days after Ryan posted extensively on Instagram with strong political commentary, he released a 30-minute video featuring Moneyberg, with both men wearing matching branded gear.
Many followers noted the apparent contradiction. One comment summarized the sentiment:
“Imagine putting up 50+ stories on IG calling politicians scumbags and liars but then actually making videos with a scammer who’s a scumbag and liar. The hypocrisy is insane.”
The criticism largely relates to Moneyberg’s reputation within combat sports. Some sources suggest that Buskowski’s wealth comes from real estate rather than the business ventures he has publicly promoted. Others in the community view him as lacking credentials in jiu-jitsu as evidenced by comments made by many experienced black belts.
For Ryan, the partnership appears to conflict with his recent messaging. His Instagram activity has focused on denouncing lawmakers yet he is now collaborating with a figure some consider controversial. Observers also note that Ryan’s wife, Nathalia Amato Santoro, faced legal issues in October, adding context to a period already marked by scrutiny.
The response from the BJJ community was immediate. Many questioned Ryan’s judgment, suggesting financial incentives may have outweighed principles he frequently emphasizes online:
“You can have all the money in the world but it won’t buy integrity and the ability to treat people kindly,”
Fans also criticized the presentation of wealth in the video, noting luxury watches and high production values which some interpreted as promotional rather than instructional. Others highlighted the timing noting Ryan has previously declined to film himself rolling with opponents due to professional priorities:
“So can’t do a video of himself rolling because time is money blablabla, but can take time to make that empty 28min long video? Ok…”
This collaboration comes amid an already turbulent period for Ryan. While he has remained largely silent on his wife’s legal situation, he continues to engage in political commentary. For an athlete known for uncompromising standards and calling out perceived dishonesty, the partnership has sparked debate about credibility and alignment with his publicly stated values.
