It seems that a much more exciting matchup is going to mark Gordon Ryan’s first appearance at the UFC On Fight Pass Invitational as Vinny Magalhaes’ weight cut issues will give us an early Christmas present in the form of Gordon Ryan vs Nicky Rod.
Instead of the greatest grappler of all times facing the ever-entertaining Vinny Magalhaes, and trying to avenge one of his very few early losses, we’re instead going to see Gordon Ryan vs Nicky Rod for the second time in three months.
Jonh Danaher, Ryan’s coach shared that:
“Originally Mr Rodriguez was to compete in the Open Weight Tournament, but he stepped in last minute after the UFC was informed of Mr Magalhaes situation.”
The ruleset for Gordon Ryan vs Nicky Rod is going to be EBI rules, something both athletes are very familiar with, as they’ve both won EBI events.
“The two former team mates met in the final of the ADCC World Championships earlier this year – Gordon Ryan won that encounter via heel hook, but this is a new match.
Importantly, it will be fought under different rules – EBI Rules. Nicky Rod recently won the EBI Open Weight tournament in spectacular fashion – every match via submission, showing the world his prowess in this rule set.
As former sparring partners each knows the others game very well land what they have to do to win!
The size, speed, flexibility, mobility and strength advantage will go to Nicky Rod, he weighed in around 230 pounds to Mr Ryan around 220. But Gordon Ryan is a true master of technique and uses it to exert unprecedented levels of control over even the most physically formidable opponents.
To be honest, Gordon Ryan vs Nicky Rod is a lot more attractive prospect. I mean, yes, Vinny is tough and beat Gordon on points, but we all know how that one was going to end, right? A match against one of the few people to really give Gordon Ryan trouble in the training room is a much more appealing way to wrap up a great year of submission grappling super fights.
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