The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world thrives on controversy, and Gordon Ryan is often at its epicenter. Known for his dominance on the mats and outspoken personality, Ryan has recently reignited debates about PEDs, ethics in competition, and the legacy of natural athletes.
Legacy
In a striking declaration, Ryan stated in his video, “I would rather die with a legacy at 50 years old than just be a normal guy dying at 70 or 80 years old.” His unapologetic stance underlines a commitment to achieving greatness at any cost. Drawing parallels to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ryan dismissed concerns over the long-term effects of PEDs, asserting, “Arnold’s 80 years old. That guy did way more steroids than I did, and he’s fine.”
PEDs in BJJ: A Pragmatic or Problematic Choice?
Ryan has openly admitted to using PEDs, starting in 2016, when he sought to compete in higher weight classes. He claims his decision was driven by necessity and legality: “Ster**ds are legal in Jiu-Jitsu, just like they’re legal in bodybuilding. If an armbar is legal, I’m going to use an armbar. If leg locks are legal, I’m going to use leg locks.”
While Ryan insists that PEDs were not essential to his early success, stating, “I was submitting ADCC champions and medalists way before I was ever on steroids,” he simultaneously contends, “You simply cannot be the best athlete you can possibly be unless you take steroids.”
This contradiction exposes a deeper ethical dilemma: if Ryan could dominate naturally, why justify PED use as indispensable?
Criticism of “Natural” Competitors
Ryan has also targeted athletes who compete without PEDs, suggesting their moral stance is often a façade. He argues that their claims of superiority are self-serving: “Whenever someone wins who’s natural, it’s ‘Oh, I won against this guy on ster*ids, so I’m better.’ But then when they lose, it’s ‘Well, I lost because I was natural.'”
For Ryan, the results speak louder than circumstances: “In 10 years, people won’t remember that argument. They’ll remember this guy won and this guy lost.”
While he respects those who choose to compete naturally, Ryan questions their practicality: “You can be a better athlete if you do it unnaturally, so it doesn’t make sense really to do it naturally if you’re looking to be the best athlete you can be.”
IBJJF Testing Policies Under Fire
Ryan has been critical of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s (IBJJF) testing policy, describing it as inconsistent and ineffective. He argues that testing has diminished the quality of events, claiming, “The level of athletes at Worlds and NOGI Worlds since they started testing has drastically diminished.”
Highlighting the financial impracticality of year-round testing, Ryan asks, “Who would fund this? Particularly for lower-tier athletes who don’t generate enough revenue?” His stance advocates for either universal testing or no testing at all, pointing out the flaws of partial enforcement.
Rival Voices: Mikey Musumeci and Nicky Rodriguez
Ryan’s comments have come in response from prominent figures in the BJJ community, including Mikey Musumeci and Nick “Nicky Rod” Rodriguez. Musumeci, a staunch advocate for clean competition, has called PED use unethical, asserting, “99% of Jiu-Jitsu is on ster*ids.” He envisions a future where the UFC’s professional framework introduces stringent testing to the sport.
Meanwhile, Nicky Rod has challenged Ryan’s dominance, offering a $1 million winner-takes-all match. He expressed frustration at Ryan’s silence: “I called him out for $50,000, and he said it wasn’t enough. I upped it to $1 million, and I still have no answer.”
Ultimately Ryan answered in a long winded response that left 20 conditions and was basicallly interpreted by everyone as a ducking attempt. After all Ryan is Jon Jones’ coach.
A Divided Community
The debate over PED use has further polarized the BJJ world. On one side, athletes like Ryan argue for pragmatism and acceptance, emphasizing personal achievement over ethics. On the other, figures like Musumeci push for reform, insisting that a clean sport is essential for its professionalization and the future.
The question remains: will the sport embrace Ryan’s philosophy of “winning at all costs,” or will a new generation of grapplers redefine its values?
