A lot of fuss was made about the potential match up of Nicky Ryan with Geo Martinez. You might remember Geo previously said he had nothing to gain from the potential happening:
I respect the kid, he is definitely skillful and talented but I don’t think he deserves a match. Do I think I can smoke him? Yes, definitely, but I also feel like it’s a lose/lose situation for me: if I beat him no one cares cause I’m a higher belt and if he wins by any chance then obviously that looks really good for him, so in reality I don’t benefit in any way. To be honest I feel other up-and-coming grapplers deserve a super fight vs me before Nicky. Even though Nicky has some impressive wins over some of my teammates that still doesn’t put him in my level. I’m pretty sure the match will happen down the road, when and where I don’t know. But in my opinion he’s not ready for the FREAKAHZOID.
However since then- Gordon Ryan decided to give him an incentive and make his little brother’s dream come true:
I have a very clear dream of solidifying myself as a GREAT in the Jiu-Jitsu world. I work everyday, tirelessly, with the best grapplers on the planet to make my dreams come to fruition. Over the past year I have SUBMITTED 2 top 10PL black belts (Marvin Castelle and Ricky Lule) in under 10 mins combined and became the youngest competitor in ADCC history. I would like to challenge Geo Martinez to a nogi no-time limit match. I believe the system I have been learning over the past 3 years is the best in the world and that is why I am confident I will win. I mean no disrespect to the 10 PL team or Geo, but I believe i deserve this match. – Nicky Ryan initially wrote.
But interestingly over night Geo released some thoughts on the match up and the divide in his fanbase it’s causing:
When everyone is talking, just remember: “the mats will set you free”. I’m grateful everyday I get to do the art I love with the people I love 🖤. In the grand scheme of life, jiu jitsu is just the path I choose to play and participate in. As humans, I believe, to live a good life you have to find something that allows you to express yourself. The concept sounds easier than it actually is; for example, you will always have negative people calling out all your flaws and mistakes, others will tell you to give up and many will want to see you fail. It’s all part of the game. The key is to drown out all the noise and continue to honestly express yourself no matter what.
To which Tom DeBlass responded:
