Gordon Ryan has taken aim at Kron Gracie’s reliance on traditional Jiu-Jitsu in MMA…
Calling the approach outdated and ill-suited for modern competition.
Speaking during a recent UFC press conference, Ryan spoke about the limitations of sticking solely to classical techniques in a sport that demands adaptability:
Traditional old school Jiu-Jitsu just isn’t enough to translate into mixed martial arts.
He compared Gracie’s sticking-to conventional methods with the hybrid grappling techniques utilized by fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov:
You need guys like Khamzat, you need guys like Khabib, you need guys like Islam.
While these fighters might not win against elite pure Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in a grappling match, their adapted style makes them more effective in MMA.
It is all about merging the best of both worlds, in Ryan’s eyes:
Khabib did it the same way as Kron’s doing it.
But Khabib did a much better job of transcending Jiu-Jitsu and transcending wrestling – and kind of merging them together to become successful.
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
