Gordon Ryan (born July 8, 1995) is an American submission wrestler and third-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt,[a][citation needed] considered by many to be the greatest no–gi grappler of all time due to his many accomplishments.

On April 24, 2016, Ryan won the Eddie Bravo Invitational Championship, defeating world champion Yuri Simões and noted grappler Rustam Chsiev on the way.

He would then move on the absolute division where he would claim gold following victories over Pedro Marinho, Garry Tonon, Lachlan Giles and Marcus Buchecha Almeida.

[20] On October 2, 2020, Ryan faced fellow ADCC 2019 World Champion Matheus Diniz and defeated him via Heelhook approximately halfway through a thirty-minute submission-only match.

[21] Ryan decided late in 2020 that he would leave the New Jersey area and move to Puerto Rico with his coach, John Danaher, and several members of his team to open up their own gym.

[23] On March 22, 2021, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong confirmed that Ryan had signed a contract with the promotion to compete in grappling, as well as mixed martial arts if he wished to.

[25] Ryan announced on May 21 that he was at least momentarily retiring from competitive grappling due to his long–time gastroparesis condition, as it had worsened throughout the years, and looks forward to taking care of his health.

[30] Gordon proceeded to clear his weight class with victories over Heikki Jussila, Victor Hugo, Roosevelt Sousa and Nick Rodriguez to win gold.

Later that weekend, Ryan faced Galvão in a highly anticipated match in grappling history and won via rear naked choke.

[36] Just two days before the event, Ryan withdrew as a result of stomach issues that he suffered during the week leading up to the match and he was replaced by Nick Rodriguez.

[38] Ryan announced that he would return to professional grappling competition on October 1, 2023 when he would defend his Who's Number One heavyweight title against Patrick Gaudio at WNO 20: Night of Champions.

[54] Ryan has engaged in numerous public spats with other competitive grapplers, including an incident on October 13, 2020, when he revealed private conversations between himself and Felipe Pena regarding a potential third match between the pair.

[56] In January, 2021, Ryan also clashed with several key members of ATOS on social media, including founder and head coach Andre Galvao, ahead of their potential match at ADCC 2022.

[59] The public statement issued by Ryan after the incident expressed no remorse for it and instead, he chose to use the opportunity to direct further criticism towards both André Galvão and several members of the ATOS team.

[66][67] Gordon Ryan has generated controversy for his social media activity which included potentially insensitive commentary on homeless individuals; he has been subject to allegations of racism and xenophobia.