The no.1 pound-for-pound grappler on Earth Gordon Ryan will be making his return to grappling to defend his WNO Heavyweight Championship against Australian powerhouse Josh Saunders at WNO 24 in Austin, TX on June 20. Gordon has been out of competition since last October dealing with stomach ailments that have hampered his training, but makes his return here on just a few weeks' notice. The match will be contested under 15-minute WNO rules for the championship belt.

Get your tickets here for WNO 24 in Austin, TX on June 20

Gordon Ryan At WNO 24

Gordon Ryan is the current WNO Heavyweight Champion and ADCC Super Fight Champion, but has been unable to get on the mats in months due to health concerns. He hasn't lost since 2018 and is on a 55-match unbeaten streak, which combined with his level of opposition has set him apart from the field even after a prolonged layoff. Still, with the 2024 ADCC World Championships coming up in August (and a match with previous rival Yuri Simoes already set) it is a critical time for the top star in the sport. He makes this return on just a few week's notice against 2-time ADCC Trials Champion Saunders, someone who can match (and even potentially exceed) Ryan's physicality in several key areas.

Gordon is a very well-rounded grappler who is best known for his skills in escaping, leg locking, guard passing, top control, and back attacking. He trains in Austin, TX under the tutelage of long-time mentor John Danaher, as the lead athlete of Team New Wave.

Who Is Josh Saunders?

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Josh Saunders is a two-time ADCC Asian & Oceanic Trials Champion who will be at the 2024 ADCC World Championships in the +99kg division. The Australian native is a very strong, athletic competitor who brings a rare blend of size and agility to the mats. In Australia, Josh is a renowned strength & conditioning coach who has risen to the top of the grappling scene as well. This match will mark his WNO debut, as he takes on perhaps the toughest challenge in all of grappling - dethroning "The King" Gordon Ryan.

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