Why Doesn't Gordon Ryan Have Beef With Matheus Diniz?
Why Doesn't Gordon Ryan Have Beef With Matheus Diniz?
Gordon Ryan loves to get into beef online – nobody is safe from his scathing and relentless attention, except maybe Matheus Diniz.
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It is no secret that P4P #1 no-gi grappler in the world Gordon Ryan loves to get into beef online. Whether it's haters, past or prospective opponents, or politicians – nobody is safe from his scathing and relentless attention.
Except maybe one person. His opponent for WNO on Oct. 2, Matheus Diniz, seems immune from Gordon's criticisms. Why?
We just got back from a trip to see Matheus and Gordon as they're training for WNO, and the general vibe is one of mutual respect.
Matheus seems to relish the opportunity to face Gordon, and is very complimentary of him as an athlete.
“It’s a great challenge me to compete against Gordon, he’s truly the best right now," says Matheus. "Great submissions, you can’t say anything about his jiu-jitsu.”
Fair point. Say what you will about the man, but his record is impervious to criticism. A three-time ADCC gold medalist and the #1-ranked P4P grappler in the world, he IS the man to beat.
A few years ago, back when Gordon was still an up and comer, there was a fierce rivalry between the Renzo Gracie "Danaher Death Squad" and Marcelo Garcia's "Dream Team."
Dillon and Khera (far left) getting into it with Tonon and co.
Online jibes between Garry Tonon and Gordon and the Marcelo Garcia black belts Dillon Danis and Mansher Khera threatened to spill over into real-world violence and things came to a head in an altercation at the 2016 ADCC Trials in Jersey.
The two gyms are situated only four blocks from each other in Manhattan, and tensions were high until Marcelo and Danaher had to meet and put an end to the shenanigans.
Diniz was never involved in this feud, and claims to have a good relationship with Gordon. “I never had any beef with Gordon. He is a great opponent, great competitor, for sure the #1 pound-for-pound.”
The Brazilian is all about business, and he's heading there to win.
“I really want to fight him. I just want to fight the best. He’s the best — you can’t deny that. I believe I have everything to beat him, anyone, not just him. I am super excited to fight him. He’s a nice guy and I have no problem with him."
“It’s going to be a great challenge for Gordon, too. He’s going to have his hands full that night, he knows that. I have all the respect for him. I’m just ready to go there and put on a show. I’m really confident I can go there, tap him and win.”
Gordon is being less bombastic than usual. He's been honest about the threats Diniz poses and respectful of his ADCC gold medal and #1 spot in the 88kg ranking. Diniz is on an eight-match win streak and won ADCC without conceding a single point. It probably helps that Diniz holds two wins over Gordon's training partner and mentor Garry Tonon, one of which was via submission.
When we asked Gordon how he felt about Diniz, this is what he had to say:
"We’re cool with each other. He’s definitely a gamer. He wants to compete against the highest-level guys, both gi and no-gi. How can you not respect that?"
Gordon Ryan faces Matheus Diniz at WNO on October 2.
