Gordon Ryan wins two superfights at ADCC 2024

Normally, the ADCC super fight champion faces the previous absolute champion, but this time they made an exception (and another medal) for their superstar Gordon Ryan by having him compete in two fights.

Gordon Ryan beats Yuri Simoes and Felipe Pena at ADCC 2024

In the traditional superfight against the absolute champion of the ADCC 2022, Gordon Ryan slowly controlled Yuri Simoes and took a pretty clear victory. He also played with the ADCC rules a bit by coming out of the mount position and repeatedly putting his foot in Simoes' quarter guard to keep passing and scoring points.

Despite being down 21-0, Simoes eventually managed to turn the ball over and maintain full control for a few minutes, but he couldn't really make up the deficit. It wasn't exactly the most entertaining fight, but Gordon Ryan managed to win two superfights in two days at the 2024 ADCC.

The first superfight the day before was a fairly lackluster rematch against long-time rival Felipe Pena, who also had to fight twice the day before their superfight. In a slow and relatively uneventful fight that went into overtime, Gordon Ryan was able to gain the upper hand in a tussle, score the only points and win the rematch.

Ryan has become more risk-averse in recent years, both in his choice of opponents and in his approach to matches. That's certainly understandable, as the myth of his long winning streak is more important to his career – and textbook sales – but it's not exactly the best thing for spectators.

Gordon Ryan sets ADCC record?

After the second superfight win, the commentators immediately announced that Gordon Ryan now holds the record for most gold medals in ADCC history with seven gold medals, four of them in the last two years alone. Interestingly, they counted the other medal they just created outside of the traditional tournament and superfight rules, breaking his tie with legend Andre Galvao, who had to win single superfights every two years.

Kaynan Duarte won double gold earlier in the day, meaning he would have earned a superfight against Gordon Ryan for the next World Championships at ADCC 2026. Ryan has had no interest in facing Duarte in recent years, so it will be interesting to see if Ryan actually faces him.

Ryan is only 29 years old and would only be 31 at the next ADCC, but he has recently indicated that he wants to retire from the business.

Video highlights from the super fight with Gordon Ryan

Below are highlights from Gordon Ryan's two superfights. Here are full results and highlights from the 2024 ADCC, which saw two outstanding fighters win double gold.