The former UFC heavyweight champion is set to face fellow grappling wizard Gordon Ryan in a combat jiu-jitsu match in Monterrey, Mexico, on Feb. 22, Eddie Bravo announced Tuesday night. Both Werdum and Ryan confirmed the match on social media.
Combat jiu-jitsu is a form of grappling that allows palm strikes when on the ground. According to Bravo, Vinny Magalhaes will compete in a four-man combat jiu-jiu-jitsu tournament on the same night.
Werdum is a two-time jiu-jitsu world champion and two-time ADCC gold medalist, while Ryan’s resume includes two ADCC medals (one gold, one silver), two IBJJF Pan-American golds and several EBI titles.