The world of submission grappling rarely breaks into the mainstream, but a highly anticipated rematch between Dillon Danis and Gordon Ryan has the potential to change that.
This isn’t just another grappling match; it’s a clash of personalities, styles, and a rivalry that has captivated the grappling community. Let’s delve into the upcoming Danis vs. Ryan II, analyzing the fighters, their history, and what’s at stake.
The Main Event: Two Stars Collide
Dillon Danis: Nicknamed “El Burro” (The Donkey), Danis is a brash and outspoken figure known for his aggressive guard retention and slick leg locks.
A black belt under Marcelo Garcia, one of the most respected grapplers ever, Danis has a reputation for unorthodox training methods and a willingness to take risks on the mat.
His guard is a labyrinth of limbs, frustrating opponents and creating opportunities for his unorthodox submission attacks.
Gordon Ryan: Ryan is a prodigy, a multiple ADCC World Champion, and arguably the most dominant no-gi grappler of his generation. His nickname “The King” reflects his reputation for ruthless pressure passing and a relentless top game.
Ryan’s wrestling background translates well to submission grappling, with brutal takedowns and a smothering top position that forces submissions.
The Heated Rivalry: A History of Conflict
The animosity between Danis and Ryan goes beyond the competitive fire that burns in most rivalries. Their clashes have been personal and public, filled with trash talk and accusations. Here’s a glimpse into their heated history:
2018 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship: Danis, a competitor at the time, criticized Ryan’s performance online, sparking the feud.
Social Media Barbs: Both fighters have exchanged heated words on social media, with Danis often using inflammatory language to goad Ryan.
Training Camp Altercation: A physical altercation erupted at a training camp where both athletes were present, further intensifying the rivalry.
This constant back-and-forth has turned their matches into must-watch events, adding an extra layer of drama to their already contrasting grappling styles.
The First Encounter: A Disputed Decision
Their first grappling match, at ADCC 2019, was a close and controversial affair. Danis managed to stall Ryan’s pressure passing with his guard retention, frustrating the favored competitor.
The judges awarded the match to Ryan, but many fans felt Danis had done enough to win. The split decision added fuel to the fire of the rivalry.
The Rematch: A Chance for Redemption
Danis vs. Ryan II is more than just a grappling match; it’s a chance for redemption and a chance to silence doubters.
Danis’ Perspective: After the controversial first bout, Danis needs a clear-cut win to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as a legitimate threat to Ryan’s dominance.
Ryan’s Perspective: Looking to maintain his undefeated ADCC record and solidify his position as the king of submission grappling, Ryan will approach the match with a determination to dominate.
Beyond the Match: The Potential Impact
The outcome of Danis vs. Ryan II has the potential to ripple through the grappling world:
Mainstream Appeal: A high-profile match with a captivating narrative could introduce submission grappling to a wider audience.
Style vs. Substance: The contrasting styles of Danis and Ryan represent an ongoing debate in grappling – is it better to prioritize guard retention and opportunism (Danis) or relentless pressure and dominant positions (Ryan)?
Future of the Sport: A thrilling match could lead to more investment in submission grappling, opening doors for more athletes and promotions.
The Grappling World Holds its Breath
As the match date approaches, the grappling community is abuzz with anticipation. Will Danis pull off the upset, or will Ryan maintain his undefeated streak? One thing is certain: Danis vs. Ryan II is more than a grappling match; it’s a clash of styles, personalities, and a rivalry that has captivated the sport.
Whether you’re a seasoned grappler or a curious newcomer, this match is a must-watch for anyone interested in witnessing the drama, athleticism, and strategic brilliance of submission grappling at its finest.
FAQs
Who are Dillon Danis and Gordon Ryan?
Dillon Danis: Nicknamed “El Burro” (The Donkey), Danis is a black belt under legendary grappler Marcelo Garcia. He’s known for his aggressive guard retention, unorthodox training methods, and willingness to take risks on the mat. His guard is a tangled web of limbs, frustrating opponents and creating opportunities for his unique submission attacks.
Gordon Ryan: Renowned as “The King,” Ryan is a prodigy and multiple-time ADCC World Champion. He’s regarded as arguably the most dominant no-gi grappler of his generation. His wrestling background translates seamlessly to submission grappling, with brutal takedowns and a smothering top game that forces submissions.
Why is this such a big deal?
This isn’t just another grappling match; it’s a clash of personalities, styles, and a heated rivalry that has captivated the grappling community. Here’s what makes it special:
Contrasting Styles: Danis focuses on guard retention and opportunistic attacks, while Ryan prioritizes relentless pressure passing and dominant top control. Their contrasting approaches will create a fascinating tactical chess match on the mat.
Bitter Rivalry: The animosity between Danis and Ryan goes beyond competition. Public trash talk, social media barbs, and a training camp altercation have fueled the drama, making this a grudge match with high stakes.
Controversial First Encounter: Their first meeting at ADCC 2019 was a close and disputed decision. Danis’s guard retention frustrated Ryan, and the split decision left many fans feeling Danis deserved the win. This rematch offers a chance for redemption for both athletes.
When and where is the rematch happening?
An official date and location for Danis vs. Ryan II haven’t been announced yet. However, both grapplers have expressed interest in a rematch, and speculation is high within the grappling community. Keep an eye on professional grappling organizations like ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) for upcoming announcements.
What are the potential implications of this match?
Beyond the competitive fire, the outcome of Danis vs. Ryan II has the potential to impact the grappling world in a few ways:
Mainstream Appeal: A high-profile match with a captivating narrative could introduce submission grappling to a wider audience, similar to how boxer McGregor vs. Mayweather transcended combat sports.
Style vs. Substance Debate: The contrasting styles of Danis and Ryan represent an ongoing debate in grappling – is it better to focus on guard retention and opportunism (Danis) or relentless pressure and dominant positions (Ryan)? This match could reignite this discussion.
Growth of the Sport: An exciting match could lead to more investment in submission grappling, opening doors for more athletes and promotions to flourish.
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