VIDEO: Ryan Tore LCL During ADCC, Nearly Withdrew

Gordon Ryan is as good as it gets in the grappling world.

Abu Dhabi Combat Clubs (ADCC) held its big 2024 competition that went head-to-head with the new kids on the block, Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), last month (Aug. 17 and 18, 2024). With Australia’s Jones at the forefront of the latter and Ryan for ADCC, “The King” did what he does best and took out the competition. However, it almost wasn’t meant to be.

Ryan, 29, revealed in a behind-the-scenes vlog that he tore his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his first superfight match against Felipe Pena on night one of the ADCC 2024 World Championship. The video can be seen in the embedded player above.

“It’s very important that people don’t see me limping now that I’m hurt for tomorrow,” Ryan said. “I can like barely walk right now.

“I can’t do it,” he continued. “My body won’t do what it tells me to do.”

Despite suffering the injury mid-match, Ryan went on to defeat Pena with a two-point score in overtime. They’re 2-2 against each other.

Although the fears of withdrawing loomed large, Ryan persevered to take on Yuri Simoes the following day. Ryan impressively defeated his foe 21 points to none, overcoming the ligament injury he’s since made public.

Rest and recovery are likely next on the docket for the legend. However, Ryan still found time to challenge Jones and “Nicky Rod” Nick Rodrguez to possible future matches with hefty prizes on the line.