It’s Nicky out, Gordon in. Filling in for his injured brother Nicky, Gordon Ryan will face Roberto Jimenez on February 26 at Who’s Number One.
On Wednesday, news broke that Nicky Ryan was forced to withdraw from his scheduled match with Jimenez due to injury. On Thursday, Gordon Ryan was officially slotted in to square off with Jimenez as Nicky’s replacement. News of the match was reported by Flo Grappling.
For Jimenez, this could be a win-win situation. If he loses to Ryan, he is not only losing to a larger, more accomplished competitor, he is also losing to the near-unanimous pick for the best pound-for-pound no-gi grappler on the planet. And if Jimenez can pull of the massive upset, he will have his own Eddie Bravo vs. Royler Gracie moment, setting the tone for the rest of his career.
Although Gordon Ryan will be the heavy favorite, he can’t afford to take Jimenez lightly. He is one of the most aggressive and fearless competitors on the planet. Jimenez is well versed in modern jiu-jitsu, including leg locks, but perhaps does his best work from the closed guard where he will look to take the back.
For Ryan, this will be his first time competing since his October 2020 submission win over ADCC champion Matheus Diniz at the last Who’s Number One event.
Who’s Number One will take place on February 26, live from Austin, TX. It will air exclusively on Flo Grappling. All matches at Who’s Number One are submission-only.
The post Gordon Ryan Replaces Nicky Ryan, Will Face Roberto Jimenez at Who’s Number One appeared first on Grappling Insider.The post Gordon Ryan Replaces Nicky Ryan, Will Face Roberto Jimenez at Who’s Number One appeared first on Grappling Insider.