In the high-stakes world of professional grappling, rivalries are often the lifeblood of the sport. They ignite interest, fuel narratives, and push athletes to their limits. Yet, some feuds transcend the competitive arena, evolving into an almost theatrical spectacle that defies resolution. Such is the curious case of Craig Jones and Gordon Ryan, two of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu`s most formidable figures, whose long-standing animosity has taken an unexpected turn with Jones`s recent announcement of retirement from competitive grappling.
A Farewell, But Not a Silence
Craig Jones, the acclaimed Australian grappler known for his innovative leg lock attacks and dry wit, declared his intent to step away from formal competition. For many, a competitive retirement signals a period of calm, a chance to reflect on a storied career. For Jones, it appears to be an opportunity to finally put to rest a particularly thorny personal and professional beef with his American counterpart, Gordon Ryan.
However, the concept of a peaceful disengagement seems to be lost on Ryan. Following Jones`s announcement, Ryan, never one to shy from a social media skirmish, launched into what Jones described with a palpable degree of irony as a “tirade on the internet.” Jones`s bewildered response highlights the almost absurd persistence of their conflict:
“Gordon’s been on a tirade on the internet against me today… As you can imagine, perfect grammar, perfect spelling, clear translation of the ideas he’s trying to get across. I refuse to read it until he learns how to use paragraphs, to be honest with you. I look for the CliffsNotes.”
This statement, delivered with Jones`s characteristic deadpan humor, perfectly encapsulates the baffling nature of their ongoing dynamic. One might expect a mutual acknowledgment of a chapter closing, perhaps a grudging respect, but instead, the digital jabs continue, leaving Jones to wonder aloud, “I don’t even know what he means half the time. I don’t know why he’s angry that I’m leaving his city. He’s got his gym now, I’m leaving. Take it.”
A Rivalry Forged in Fire (and Online Feuds)
The history between Jones and Ryan is extensive, marked by multiple encounters on the mat, all of which Ryan has technically won. Yet, the scoresheet rarely tells the full story of such rivalries. Beyond the submissions and dominant performances, there has been a persistent undercurrent of personal animosity. Jones has publicly accused Ryan of being a bully, while Ryan has retorted with claims of Jones employing “underhanded tactics” for relevance.
Even as Jones attempts to mend fences with Ryan`s longtime coach, John Danaher, the core of the problem, according to Jones, remains Ryan himself. “I don’t know what the beef is,” Jones lamented, expressing his desire to move past it. “I’ve been nothing but complimentary towards the man.” This sentiment raises a pertinent question: When one party seeks reconciliation or disengagement, and the other persists, what truly fuels the fire?
The Psychological Chess Match Beyond The Mat
Elite combat sports are not merely about physical prowess; they are deeply psychological. Rivalries, in particular, can be intricate dances of ego, perception, and strategic provocation. For athletes like Ryan, maintaining a dominant persona, even in the face of a competitor`s retirement, might be an intrinsic part of their brand. For Jones, the confusion could be genuine, or perhaps a tactical deflection, signaling his intent to move on without conceding emotional ground.
Jones`s final competitive outing is scheduled for the weekend of August 30-31, but his involvement in the grappling scene is far from over. He plans to remain heavily invested, potentially through his own “Craig Jones Invitational” events. The tantalizing thought of Ryan competing at such an event sparks immediate interest, but Jones dismisses it, not out of animosity, but with a practical assessment of Ryan`s physical state.
“Gordon, I don’t think would compete,” Jones mused. “I think his health issues—I think truly he’s done this time. For enough money, for sure someone could lure him back in, but I think generally speaking, yeah, he’s out now.”
The Lingering Question: Can a Feud Truly Retire?
The Jones-Ryan saga offers a fascinating case study in the longevity of elite athletic rivalries. It suggests that while athletes may retire from the physical demands of competition, the emotional and psychological battles can persist, especially when one party is intent on keeping the narrative alive. Whether this is a calculated move for attention, a genuine inability to let go, or simply a byproduct of strong personalities clashing, it ensures that even after the final bell, the echoes of a legendary feud continue to reverberate through the world of grappling.
As Craig Jones prepares for his final bow, one can only wonder if his departure from the competitive spotlight will finally dim the flames of this particular rivalry, or if Gordon Ryan will find new ways to stoke the embers, ensuring their personal drama remains a curious footnote in the annals of BJJ history.
