Nicky Rodriguez has just issued a massive challenge to Gordon Ryan for a match at a UFC Fight Pass Invitational event with $100,000 on the line. This wouldn’t be the first time that the two men have met of course, and Ryan has won both of their previous matches. They used to train together on a regular basis but after the breakup of the Danaher Death Squad, the two competitors went their separate ways and formed two different teams. It was only a matter of time for them to cross paths on the mats and they did just that in the final of the over 99kg division at ADCC 2022. Ryan won that match by submission in quick fashion, but it wasn’t long before they booked a rematch together at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3.
That match was far closer and it went all the way to EBI overtime, but Ryan still won regardless. While normally a pair of wins might be the end to a rivalry, Jiu-Jitsu competitors are known for having many matches with each other over the course of their careers and Rodriguez has given Ryan his hardest match for many years. Nicky Rodriguez competed again in the co-main event of UFC Fight Pass Invitational 5 and after winning a convincing decision over reigning ADCC absolute champion Yuri Simoes, he had an interesting challenge for Gordon Ryan:
“This guy Gordon Ryan is walking out right now. I’ve been trying to get a match with him for quite some time. He’s had his issues in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, calling me out for my… Accusing me of steroids, I’m sure you guys heard the previous interview. I think it’s time I made him a proposal, a challenge that is hard to refuse right? So let’s do this: 1 match, same rules as here. 10 minute match, 5 minute OT, but with a catch. I’m willing to put out $50,000 to say I will beat you in this ruleset, $50,000 each, $100,000 on the line, may the best man win.”
It remains to be seen whether Gordon Ryan will accept the challenge that Nicky Rodriguez has issued, but he’s been so dominant in recent years that he’s running out of other opponents. Not only does the match make sense, but it’s going to be a popular one among the fans as well. UFC Fight Pass Invitational have done a great job of booking some fantastic matches so far, so they may very well be able to get this one done as well. On his way back to the changing rooms after the match, Rodriguez reiterated his desire to meet Ryan on the mats again:
“I had a blast, UFC Fight Pass always throws down. Great media, great way to produce a tournament, an event. And an absolute goldmine of a callout. I want Gordon Ryan, I want that number one pound for pound spot, and I’m gonna have it. Let’s go.”
The quick interview with Nick Rodriguez after his match at UFC Fight Pass Invitational where he doubled down on his challenge to Gordon Ryan was uploaded to the official Instagram account of UFC Fight Pass:
