Here’s a bold claim: mastering the Granby roll could be the secret weapon to dethroning MMA giants like Islam Makhachev or Khabib Nurmagomedov. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many see this technique as high-risk, BJJ legend Gordon Ryan insists it’s the key to cracking the seemingly unstoppable Dagestani wrestling style. In a recent interview with Mike Perry, Ryan didn’t just hint at his strategy—he laid it all out, step by step. And this is the part most people miss: the Granby roll, though standard in grappling, is often overlooked in MMA due to its perceived risks. But Ryan argues it’s the perfect counter to the relentless pressure of fighters like Khabib, who dominate by controlling their opponents’ hands and dictating the pace of the fight.
Ryan breaks it down like this: when facing a Dagestani wrestler, your hands are forced to the mat, making it nearly impossible to strike back while carrying their weight. The Granby roll—a maneuver where you dive onto one shoulder, roll across your shoulder blades, and spring back to your feet—can disrupt this control. Ryan even points to an early Khabib opponent who used this technique to survive the storm. But it’s not just about rolling away; it’s about combining it with submissions, like leg locks, to create a dynamic escape. Here’s the kicker: while Ryan makes it sound straightforward, executing this against the likes of Khabib or Makhachev is anything but easy. These fighters are undefeated for a reason—their style is suffocating, and their dominance is unmatched.
Speaking of dominance, let’s address the elephant in the room: Has Islam Makhachev surpassed Khabib as the greatest? Some argue his two-weight reign trumps Khabib’s undefeated record. What do you think? Let’s spark a debate in the comments. Meanwhile, the rise of fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Usman Nurmagomedov proves that the Dagestani style is here to stay. Even those who’ve tasted defeat, like Umar Nurmagomedov, have only stumbled once—and against top-tier opponents like Merab Dvalishvili.
So, is the Granby roll the ultimate answer? Or is Ryan oversimplifying the challenge? One thing’s for sure: beating these fighters requires more than just technique—it demands precision, timing, and a bit of daring. What’s your take? Do you agree with Ryan’s strategy, or do you think there’s a better way to crack the code? Let’s hear it in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
