Image Credits: MMA Junkie
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is quickly rising in popularity, though mostly in terms of people training the Gentle Art.
On the flip side, when it comes to people actually watching BJJ competitions… Jiu-Jitsu still remains on the fringes.
But, according to Gordon Ryan, that could change significantly with the assistance of the UFC.
He spoke about the topic during a recent press conference, preceding his December 15 match against Vinny Magalhaes:
I think this is a big jump for the sport as a whole. First it was a crossover between wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu [fans]… But now you’re having the crossover between mixed martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu.
I think ADCC was the first step, having 13000 people watching a live event. [And] I think the UFC partnership with grapplers is going to catapult the sport into a new realm.
Gordon also revealed what it would take for him to transition to MMA:
To be honest with you, my coach John has never been wrong that much. He seems to think that I should stick with grappling.
So, it’s tough to argue John, man… He’s always giving me advice. And then, 3 years, 5 years later I’m like: “Man, John was right.”So, for now I’ll stick with grappling. And then, maybe if one of our guys wins the absolute and starts dominating people like I do, then maybe I’ll make the jump. But for now, I’ll stick with grappling.
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