Kaynan Duarte recently weighed in on one of the most popular “what if” debates in grappling: how Gordon Ryan would perform if he ever decided to compete in the gi.
Speaking in an interview with Raphaella Amorim, the two-time IBJJF world champion didn’t hesitate to express confidence in Ryan’s potential – even going as far as saying he could win the sport’s most prestigious gi title:
I believe he would be fine.
Ryan, of course, has dominated no-gi grappling for years, winning every major title and defeating numerous gi world champions along the way.
However, he’s never competed in the gi at an elite level, and by all accounts, has little interest in doing so.
Duarte acknowledged that while Ryan’s technical understanding could carry him far, the gi’s unique grip dynamics and positional nuances would pose challenges even for the reigning ADCC king:
He could [win Worlds], but the game would change a bit.
Maybe he’d have a hard time with someone who does lapel; maybe Erich Munis, Victor Hugo, bigger guys like that.
Maybe he could have difficulty, but he would be fine.I think he would win against some names there…
He could, but he’d have to put in more time, because it’s different.
Duarte knows firsthand how dangerous Ryan can be — he faced him in 2018 and lost by submission.
Still, when asked how that matchup might look in the gi, Duarte didn’t hesitate:
I would smash him.
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