Bold claim: The Granby roll is the key move that could turn the tide against Islam Makhachev or Khabib Nurmagomedov. Gordon Ryan explains that this high-risk grappling maneuver, when applied correctly, disrupts the relentless Dagestani wrestling pressure and opens up pathways to beat them at their own game.
Ryan, a long-time critic of staying within comfort zones, has argued that he possesses the tools to defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, especially after his mentor’s retirement in 2020. In a recent discussion with Mike Perry on the Overdogs podcast, he details how the Granby roll can counter the attacks that come from Khabib’s camp. While this technique is common in grappling circles, it’s often viewed as dangerous within MMA because of the potential for exposure to strikes and position changes.
What exactly is the Granby roll? It involves dropping to one shoulder, rolling over the upper back and shoulder blades, then returning to a kneeling or standing position to face the opponent. Ryan notes that one Nurmagomedov-era opponent used the move to endure a bout that went the distance, illustrating that this isn’t a guaranteed win but a strategic tool.
The core idea, according to Ryan, is to neutralize their control grip. The Dagestani approach often centers on driving their opponent’s hands high behind the arms, driving the competitor into rear chest locks, and forcing the hands back to the floor—effectively sapping upper-body mobility. By layering a sequence of Granbys with heisting moves and timely submissions (including leg locks) off those Granbys, a fighter can shift momentum and land escapes or finishers.
Yet applying this against Russian-style grapplers remains immensely challenging. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev completed undefeated runs, and peers such as Usman Nurmagomedov also boast impressive records with a blend of wrestling and striking. The debate remains strong: can the Granby roll reliably undermine that grappling foundation, or is it mostly a high-risk, high-reward option that requires perfect timing and execution?
Readers are invited to weigh in: Do you see the Granby roll as a practical, repeatable strategy in modern MMA, or is it too situational to rely on consistently? Is there a counterpoint or adjustment you’d add when facing elite Dagestani grapplers? Share your thoughts in the comments.
