Mikey Musumeci vs. Gordon Ryan: A Debate on PEDs and the Philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu
Mikey Musumeci vs. Gordon Ryan: A Debate on PEDs and the Philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu
The jiu-jitsu community is buzzing after Mikey Musumeci’s comments about PEDs sparked a pointed response from Gordon Ryan. With both athletes at the pinnacle of their respective careers, their public disagreement is shining a light on a complex issue: the role of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Musumeci’s Stand for a Cleaner Sport
Following his victory at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 9, Musumeci spoke openly about the immense pressure he’s been under since joining the UFC. During his post-fight reflections, he also addressed a topic he feels passionately about: the use of PEDs in professional grappling.
Musumeci didn’t mince words, calling for a shift in the sport. “I’m just an athlete,” he said. “But now it’s time to take a stand and change the sport for the next generation. Maybe in your generation, PEDs were acceptable, but now we need to grow the sport without hurting our bodies or relying on drugs.” Musumeci’s stance is clear—he’s advocating for a future where natural talent and hard work take precedence over chemical enhancement.
Gordon Ryan Responds
Never one to hold back, Gordon Ryan took to social media to voice his disagreement. Ryan, a five-time ADCC World Champion and arguably the most dominant figure in submission grappling, defended the use of PEDs, framing them as a necessary part of professional sports.
“Steroids are legal in every competition minus specific IBJJF competitions since 2019. It’s not cheating,” Ryan wrote. “The best athletes are people on PEDs. That’s what makes professional sports what they are.”
Ryan’s comments reflect a pragmatic view of the sport’s direction, emphasizing the entertainment value of elite athletes operating at their peak. For Ryan, PEDs are part of the equation that makes professional grappling worth watching.
Moving Forward
As the sport of jiu-jitsu grows, the debate over PEDs and the values underpinning the art is likely to intensify. Both Musumeci and Ryan represent vital parts of the conversation—Musumeci advocating for a purer, more traditional approach, and Ryan representing the evolution of grappling as a high-stakes professional sport.
One thing is certain: their ongoing dialogue is forcing the jiu-jitsu community to confront some tough questions about the sport’s future. Will the next generation follow Musumeci’s vision of natural talent and integrity, or will Ryan’s pragmatic approach to PEDs and peak performance dominate the conversation?
Stay tuned for more insights as this debate continues to evolve, and don’t miss Mikey Musumeci’s full interview from UFC Fight Pass Invitational 9, available exclusively to our Full-Mount members. Subscribe today for access to this and other exclusive content from the sport’s most influential figures.
