Gordon Ryan pulls out of matches against Lucas Barbosa, Mason Fowler
Gordon Ryan has withdrawn from matches against Lucas Barbosa and Mason Fowler due to a rib injury.
Gordon Ryan is once again on the sidelines.
The oft-injured multiple-time ADCC champion has withdrawn from scheduled matches against Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa and Mason Fowler, citing a rib injury that will force him out of competition for the remainder of the year.
Ryan posted about his injury on Instagram.
The 28-year-old black belt was slated to face Barbosa – a man he has twice beaten before – in the main event of Who’s Number One (WNO) 21 on November 30. He was scheduled to square off with Fowler the following weekend at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational.
Ryan has been plagued by injuries and illness over the past couple of years. He spent the bulk of 2021 out of action due to ongoing stomach issues that he said prevented him from training at full capacity.
In 2022, Ryan returned in top form to put on a dominant showing at the ADCC World Championships, winning gold in the +99kg division and submitting Andre Galvao to claim the ADCC Superfight title.
He was then slated for a much-anticipated fourth match against rival Felipe Pena in early 2023, but withdrew days before that event, citing a stomach virus. That match has not been re-booked.
In May, Ryan announced an extended leave of absence, again due to ongoing stomach issues.
The New Wave representative will close out his 2023 having competed just one time – a dominant submission win over Patrick Gaudio to retain his WNO heavyweight title.
