The reigning ADCC superfight champion Gordon Ryan will be taking on his rival Felipe Pena at the 2024 ADCC World Championships, in their fourth all-time meeting on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Las Vegas. 

Gordon, who has largely been inactive in competition while battling a debilitating stomach condition, has accepted the challenge to compete in two superfights at the ADCC World Championships, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

Gordon was already scheduled to fight Yuri Simões for the superfight title on Sunday, Aug. 18, following ADCC customs. Gordon won the superfight title in 2022 defeating then-reigning champion Andre Galvão, while Simões won the absolute bracket to earn his right to contend for the superfight title in 2024 against Gordon.

Now, ADCC has announced a second superfight, Gordon Ryan vs Felipe Pena, to be held on Saturday, Aug. 17.

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Gordon and Felipe have competed against each other 3 times before, with Pena holding a 2-1 edge including a win at ADCC Worlds in 2017. Pena also holds a reputation for being the only man to submit black belt Gordon Ryan. This upcoming fourth match figures to be their most high-profile and important in the series.

Gordon Ryan vs Felipe Pena ADCC 2024

Gordon is the current ADCC Super Fight Champion, meaning he is slated to defend his title against the most recent winner of the absolute bracket - Yuri Simoes of CTA. That match will still happen, as planned on Sunday at the 2024 ADCC World Championships. This match will be an additional non-title match that they are taking on because of high demand from the fans.

As a result, Felipe Pena will not be doing his weight class but will still be eligible for the absolute. Felipe is a former ADCC Absolute Champion and competed in the super fight in 2019 against Andre Galvao.

What's The History Between Gordon Ryan and Felipe Pena?

Gordon and Felipe's history goes back to their first match in 2016, when they met in the Studio 540 Superfight Series. Pena, already a well-established black belt, won with a rear naked choke against the rising prospect Gordon. They would meet again one year later in the ADCC Absolute finals, a very important match for both men, and again Pena would win 6-0 with a back take.

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Despite all of Gordon's success, Pena seemed to have his number. They would finally rematch again in 2022, and Gordon would win after Pena submitted to fatigue after nearly 40 minutes. The match, however, was marred by controversy, as on the morning before the match, Pena suffered the loss of close friend Leandro Lo.

The match was scheduled again, for a fourth iteration, in early 2023 but that never happened. Rather, Gordon Ryan was forced to withdraw from the event because of his stomach condition. Now, finally, the two will meet again in what may be the final installment of one of grappling's most storied and relevant rivalries.

Gordon Ryan spoke with us about his upcoming ADCC superfights, with a message to Felipe Pena.

When Is ADCC Worlds 2024?

The ADCC World Championships are Aug. 17-18 in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. 

How To Watch The 2024 ADCC World Championship

The 2024 ADCC World Championship will be streaming live in the United States on FloGrappling and the FloSports app. 

Replays, highlights and news also will be available on both platforms.

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