Gordon Ryan revealed that he tried to arrange a grappling match with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev for ADCC 2024. Speaking with Tim Kennedy on Overdogs USA podcast, the seven-time ADCC champion explained that Chimaev was considered for the second super fig ht before the event.
“I actually asked because we were going to do the second super fi ght for ADCC 2024. And I asked Khamzat out if he wanted to do it,” Ryan said.
According to Ryan, Chimaev declined the opportunity because he was preparing for another camp or dealing with a health concern. However, the UFC contender expressed interest in training with Ryan instead.
“He said, ‘I can’t do it this time, but I want you to come train,’” Ryan recalled.
Ryan also offered a detailed assessment of Chimaev’s grappling ability. He said the Chechen-born star is particularly effective from chest-to-back positions, especially when opponents attempt to rise from the turtle or a referee’s position. Chimaev’s ability to follow movement, return opponents to the mat and maintain pressure has made him a difficult opponent to control.
Ryan identified one area where Chimaev could still improve: limiting movement before opponents begin to stand. In his view, Chimaev often allows athletes to create space, forcing him to use additional energy during follow-up transitions.
“If Khamzat was better at negating movement, like he’s very good at following movement, but if he was better at negating movement, he would make guys carry body weight a lot more,” Ryan explained.
That distinction could become important in a grappling match under ADCC rules, where wrestling exchanges and positional control can quickly drain an athlete’s energy. Ryan believes Chimaev’s wrestling foundation, combined with continued jiu-jitsu development, could eventually create major problems for the sport’s leading competitors.
The proposed matchup would have offered a unique test for both athletes. Ryan would have brought elite submission knowledge and positional control, while Chimaev could have relied on his wrestling, physical strength and relentless pace.
