Olympic gold medalist Gordon Ryan was a member of Jon Jones’s team during his preparation for his standoff with Stipe Miocic.
Gordon Ryan is known as an elite grappler and was a great addition to Jones’ team. Coach Roberto Alencar was also on the team, but the jiu-jitsu expert said earlier during the training camp that Ryan would be handling the bulk of the training.
“I’m stepping down from the corner. But Gordon will be there for the work he’s done with Jon,” Alencar said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “Gordon was a great addition to us. I’ve learned a lot from him, me being a black belt and all the experience I have, and Gordon coming from no-gi, from ADCC. He’s added a lot to Jon’s ground game, alongside with Gable Stevenson. It was great to have the two best from grappling and wrestling working with Jon.”
It seemed the medalist made a good impact on the heavyweight champ’s team as he[Jones] went on to defeat Miocic and retain his belt. After the epic showdown between the two heavyweight legends, Ryan took to Instagram to narrate his experience as a member of Jones’ team.
“It is very inspiring to be around greatness. As a fan, I want to see him continue because he’s as exciting as they come and never loses. As a coach, I want to see him continue because despite being better than everyone else, there is so much more for him to learn. And,as a friend, I want to see him to whatever his heart desires. I want him to press forward if he wants or to leave the sport on top after being on top since the very beginning. And, I want to see him happy regardless of what he decides to do next.
“I can’t take credit for any part of Jon’s career, but I am very thankful to be a small part of such an amazing legacy. Thank you for choosing me to help you, and thank you for your friendship. Enjoy this time off that you deserve, and don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Not the fans, not the fighters, only you. You’re the one and only.”
“Also, big thanks to the @ufc for making my experience at the event smooth as ever, as always. Thank you to the rest of the coaches in the camp, all the drilling partners, and all of the pieces that completed the puzzle that is Jon Jones. Being a legend and first responder, I think we were all a little sad to see @stipemiocic lose and retire, but that’s the game. Thank you, legend, for an amazing career. I’ve always been a fan, and I can’t wait to see you at your HOF induction.”
Ryan also congratulated the fighter on his win and acknowledged other team members who made it possible, including Miocic, whom he regarded as a worthy opponent.
Ryan holds the record for most titles won in ADCC history and has been undefeated for 58 straight matches dating back to 2018. Stevenson is a three-time All-American and gold medalist at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
