The One Championship roster of MMA fighters has added a top name to its list of elite grapplers.
Gordon Ryan, a multiple-time grappling world champion considered to be among the greatest jiu-jitsu competitors, has signed with the Singapore-based fight promotion to make his pro debut in MMA and also compete in submission grappling, One CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced Monday on social media.
Ryan, who is 24 and from New Jersey, most notably won gold medals in both his weight division (99 kilograms) and the absolute (no weight limit) competition at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Combat Club world championships, making him the first competitor in eight years to win double gold at this prestigious annual event. He owns grappling wins over several notable MMA fighters, including former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett, Gabriel Gonzaga, Rousimar Palhares and Dillon Danis.
Ryan joins a One roster that already includes decorated grapplers Garry Tonon and Marcus Almeida, both of whom also are on the list of his conquests. One did not announce a date or opponent for Ryan’s MMA debut.