Gordon Ryan Breaks Down Why Granby Rolls Could Be The Key To Handling Islam Makhachev Or Khabib Nurmagomedov
Gordon Ryan asserts that the high-risk Granby Roll is essential for countering the seemingly unbeatable Dagestani grappling style. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend has long argued that he has the tools to defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev since his mentor’s retirement in 2020. In a fresh discussion with Mike Perry, Ryan detailed the precise method he believes can level the playing field.
Is Islam Makhachev’s UFC run taller than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s?
Which do you think is greater—an undefeated record or competing successfully across two weight classes? Share your view in the comments.
As the sport evolves, it’s clear that the region’s grappling-centered approach forms a formidable MMA foundation. This is underscored by the dominance of athletes like Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev, along with other rising stars.
Gordon Ryan on How to Break Through Khabib’s Grinding Grind
In a recent appearance on Mike Perry’s Overdogs podcast, Ryan explained at length how the Granby Roll can be used to counter the attacks launched by Khabib’s team. While common in grappling, this maneuver is often considered risky in mixed martial arts competition.
The Granby Roll involves dropping onto one shoulder, rolling across the upper back, and returning to a kneeling or standing position to face the opponent. Ryan recalled a Nurmagomedov adversary who managed to go the distance against him early in his UFC career by employing this move.
“Their strategy is to keep their hands high behind your arms, drive into rear chest control, and pin your hands to the mat,” Ryan said. “So whenever you try to rise, your hands hit the floor, and you end up carrying their weight. They can land strikes, but you can’t touch them. The winning combo is a sequence of Granbys to stand up and move away, mixed with submissions—like a leg lock off those Granbys. A blend of heisting, submissions, and rolling is how you beat them.”
Beating Russian-style grapplers is easier said than done
Ryan’s explanation might sound straightforward, but navigating the Russian wrestling approach remains remarkably tough in practice. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev never lost at the top levels, while Usman Nurmagomedov — who competes in PFL — remains undefeated with a somewhat more striking-forward style.
Do you agree with Artur Beterbiev that Islam Makhachev surpasses Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Khabib is widely regarded as the UFC’s greatest of all time, but he may have helped shape the athlete who could eventually inherit that title.
Even Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov have tasted defeat—each has one loss in their careers. Makhachev was knocked out by Adriano Martins in a stunning upset, while Umar Nurmagomedov narrowly lost on points to Merab Dvalishvili, a widely acclaimed all-time great.
Would you like more analysis on Granby Rolls and other counters, or should I tailor this piece to a specific audience (beginners, seasoned fans, or coaches) with extra examples and visuals?
