Ryan Hall

Ryan Hall is a black belt jiu-jitsu virtuoso and former TUF 22 lightweight champion who brought world-class grappling credentials into the UFC's featherweight division. A two-time IBJJF World Champion and ADCC bronze medalist with 200-plus BJJ competition submissions to his name, Hall turned pro in MMA in 2006 but took a six-year break before resurging in 2012. His meteoric rise through regional MMA culminated in winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 22 by defeating Artem Lobov in December 2015, earning him a UFC contract.

Once in the octagon, Hall established himself as one of the most technically sound submission artists on the roster. His most iconic moment came at UFC 232 in December 2018, when he submitted legendary BJ Penn via heel hook in the first round - a finish that earned him Performance of the Night honors and swept multiple submission of the year awards across combat sports media. The victory exemplified Hall's signature style: patient, cerebral grappling punctuated by devastating leg lock technique. He followed with a decision win over ranked featherweight Darren Elkins in July 2019, suggesting a climb toward title contention.

However, Hall's UFC tenure has been marked by frustration and injury. Long layoffs between fights - attributed to both difficulties in securing ranked opponents and his own physical setbacks - have stalled his momentum. A brutal first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in July 2021 exposed his striking vulnerabilities and derailed his run. Hall's management and the UFC publicly clashed over matchmaking, with Hall vocal about his readiness to fight anyone willing to grant adequate preparation. Most recently, he earned a unanimous decision over Darrick Minner at UFC 269 in December 2021, but has since undergone 19 surgeries including a complete ACL tear, leaving his return date uncertain despite his stated intention to compete again in 2025. At 38, Hall remains an elite grappler caught in a limbo of inactivity and injury.