The Heated Debate Between BJJ Titans Gordon Ryan and Ffion Davies on Gender, Pay, and Progress in Martial Arts

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds, the conversation around gender equality and fair pay has ignited passionate debates.

Recently, an Instagram feud between No Gi Jiu Jitsu Champion Gordon Ryan and Gi and No Gi Female BJJ Champion Ffion Davies has brought this issue to the forefront, sparking discussions that transcend the mats and touch upon broader societal themes of equality, recognition, and empowerment.

Ffion Davies, a trailblazer in the sport, has been an advocate for fair pay for female BJJ competitors. Her stance is not just about equal pay; it’s about recognizing the value, skill, and dedication that female athletes bring to the sport.

As a woman, mum and BJJ practitioner myself, I deeply relate to this conversation not only for myself but also for my daughter who also practices Jiu Jitsu.

This morning when Gordon’s Instagram post popped on my feeds, I mistakenly thought he was supporting and amplifying her message, until I read his caption in absolute disbelief.

As content creators, we also receive many “opportunities” for unpaid collaborations. Which we, like Ffion, decline.

Ffion’s post reads:

In a male-dominated industry, hers is a voice of empowerment, challenging the status quo and advocating for change. In response, Gordon Ryan seems surprisingly triggered, for a highly skilled and highly paid male martial artist.

Gordon Ryan’s perspective, as shared in a candid Instagram caption, offers a controversial viewpoint.

He begins with a direct address to those criticizing his approach towards Ffion Davies, stating,

“for everyone whining about ‘how are you attacking Fiona,’ (sic) Shut up. She attacked me far before I ever mentioned her. You just don’t know about it. It was also completely unprovoked.”

Ryan argues that the issue of pay disparity is not inherently a gender issue but rather a reflection of broader economic principles such as supply and demand.

He draws parallels with other sports, mentioning,

“It’s like when the WNBA players talk about how they should be paid equally, but when they actually ran the math, the players were being overpaid and completely subsidized by the parent league.”

He brings up Ronda Rousey in the UFC to underscore his point that athlete compensation is tied to the revenue they generate, not their gender.

Central to Ryan’s argument is the assertion that

“Women athletes in jiu jitsu get paid less, not because they are women, but because far fewer people want to watch them relative to meat (sic) this current time.”

He challenges the notion that gender alone dictates pay, suggesting instead that market interest and the ability to attract viewership play a crucial role.

Ryan boldly states, and we strongly disagree with him here because we highly value Ffion as an inspiration to women in this sport.

“The best women currently and in the past aren’t as physical and aren’t as technical as men… If you’re not being paid a lot as a woman to compete, it’s not because you’re a woman. It’s because no one cares about you.”

Despite the abrasive tone, Ryan’s underlying message is a call to athletes to focus on building their brand and marketability, irrespective of gender, but his approach is wrong, and misses the point.

While this incident has sparked controversy, it also invites a necessary conversation about the future of BJJ and sports in general. It’s a conversation about how we value and support athletes, how we foster interest in women’s sports, and how we break down systemic barriers that have historically marginalized female athletes.

A comment by Instagram user “evanclarke” on Gordon Ryan’s Instagram post offers a impactful reflection on the broader implications of his stance and the potential for positive change within the sport.

The comment reads:

“Aside from the fact that you’ve misrepresented what she said in her post above (unless there’s more context which you’ve not included), I don’t really understand what you’re frustrated about? You say you’re the reason there’s money in the sport and if you want it you should go out and earn it.

That looks exactly like what Ffion is trying to do. She’s trying to inspire women in the sport (like you inspired men) to aspire to earn more. I don’t understand why someone of your influence in the sport would resist this notion.

Surely a rising tide lifts all ships? It would be just as easy for you to advocate for fair (not even equal) pay for women as it would for you to make a post like this. You have been a trailblazer for the sport, you’ve almost single-handedly made it more appealing to wider audiences and you’ve made a lot of money.

Do you not feel like your legacy would benefit (or at least not suffer) from championing the plight of others? Money isn’t everything and you clearly have a lot of it, wouldn’t it be great to be able to say “I was the best ever, I am now very rich and I was instrumental in making *insert future female superstars of the sport here* very rich too in a world where it was formerly unheard of”?”

The commenter articulates a perspective that both challenges and invites Ryan to reconsider his position, not just as a dominant athlete but as a potential advocate for progress and equality in BJJ.

It begins by addressing a perceived misrepresentation of Ffion Davies’ original post, suggesting that Ryan may have overlooked the essence of Davies’ message or omitted crucial context in his response.

This observation raises an important question about the nature of discourse in the sport: Are we fully engaging with each other’s arguments, or are we talking past one another due to misunderstandings or selective interpretations?

More fundamentally, the commenter questions the source of Ryan’s frustration, pointing out that Davies seems to be following a path similar to Ryan’s—inspiring others in the sport to aspire for greater recognition and compensation.

This parallel draws attention to the shared goals between Ryan and Davies, despite the apparent divergence in their approaches or perspectives. The notion that “a rising tide lifts all ships” is particularly compelling.

It suggests that efforts to elevate the status and earning potential of female athletes in BJJ could benefit the sport as a whole, including its male athletes.

This perspective challenges the zero-sum thinking that often characterizes discussions about gender and compensation in sports, proposing instead that progress for one group can contribute to the collective advancement of the sport.

The commenter also invites Ryan to consider the legacy he wishes to leave behind. Ryan’s influence and success in BJJ are undeniable; he has played a significant role in popularizing the sport and demonstrating its potential for lucrative career paths.

The question posed to Ryan is whether he sees value in extending his legacy to include advocacy for gender equality and fair compensation in BJJ.

Such a stance, the commenter suggests, could further enrich Ryan’s legacy, positioning him as not only a champion on the mats but also a champion for progress and equality within the sport.

User “neverred73” sheds light on the deeply personal stakes involved. They write,

“You may have a daughter one day that wants to follow in your footsteps, and as a parent of 4 girls believe me you’ll fight tooth and nail for them in whatever situation. It seems to me Ffion has been raised well and is using her position within the sport to stand up for fellow women.”

This perspective serves as a powerful reminder of the broader implications of advocating for equality in the sport. It’s not just about the here and now; it’s about paving the way for future generations to compete, thrive, and be fairly recognized for their achievements.

The comment underscores the importance of role models like Ffion Davies, who utilize their platform and influence to champion the rights and recognition of women in BJJ, inspiring others to envision a more inclusive and equitable sporting world for everyone, including potential daughters who may one day wish to emulate their parents’ passion and prowess on the mats.

The heart of the matter is not whether women are as “physical” or “technical” as men, as Ryan suggests. Such comparisons perpetuate a false narrative that undermines the achievements and contributions of female athletes.

Women in BJJ, like Ffion Davies, have shown incredible technical prowess, physical strength, and strategic judgment. Their battles are not just fought on the mats but against the ingrained perceptions that limit their recognition and financial reward.

Empowerment comes from challenging these perceptions and advocating for a sport where athletes are valued for their skill, dedication, and the excitement they bring to fans, regardless of gender.

It’s about creating a space where young girls can look up to champions like Ffion Davies and see a future for themselves in BJJ or any other sport they choose to pursue. The conversation between Ryan and Davies opens up a crucial dialogue about the future of BJJ and sports in general.

It’s a call to action for the community to support female athletes, not just through words but through tangible actions that elevate women’s sports. This includes providing equal opportunities for competition, investing in marketing and promotion, and creating an environment where female athletes can build their brands and fanbase.

As we move forward, let’s not reduce this to a debate about who said what or who attacked whom. Instead, let’s focus on the larger picture of female empowerment and equality in sports.

Let’s work towards a future where the paychecks of athletes reflect their hard work, talent, and the excitement they bring to fans, not their gender. To the young girls practicing their sweeps and submissions, dreaming of becoming champions: your journey is about more than just medals and titles.

It’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for the next generation. Your fight is for fairness, recognition, and respect. And in this fight, you are not alone.

As we engage with these discussions, let’s approach them with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to progress.

Luciana Oliveira

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Luciana, a proud Brazilian, blends her passion for jiu-jitsu with a deep-rooted connection to spirituality and well-being. Her dedication to the martial art reflects not just a physical discipline, but a holistic approach to life, seeking balance in mind, body, and spirit. Whether on the mats or in meditation, Luciana embodies the essence of harmony and inner strength.