The grappling world is still buzzing from the AIGA World Championship 2025, which wrapped up in Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 29th, leaving behind a trail of dominant performances and heated exchanges that have the BJJ community talking.
Team Kasai absolutely steamrolled through the Champions League Final, putting on a clinic that reminded everyone why they’re considered one of the sport’s elite squads. But it wasn’t just their technical prowess that grabbed headlines – it was the aftermath that really got people fired up.
Gordon Ryan, never one to hold back his opinions, unleashed a scathing critique of Kaynan Duarte’s performance that’s been making waves across social media. The specifics of Ryan’s comments have sparked debate about sportsmanship and whether public callouts help or hurt the sport’s growth.
The Kazakhstan event drew serious talent with its cash prize structure – a smart move that’s becoming increasingly important as athletes demand better compensation for their skills. The competition level reflected this investment, with several marquee matchups delivering the kind of action that keeps fans glued to their screens.
What’s particularly interesting is how this event fits into the broader grappling landscape. With CJI 2 on the horizon and ongoing drama in various camps, AIGA positioned itself as a legitimate player in the high-stakes grappling scene. The fact that top-tier athletes showed up despite busy schedules speaks to the event’s growing reputation.
The community response has been mixed – some praising the competitive level and production value, while others are more focused on the post-event drama. Either way, AIGA 2025 accomplished what every promoter dreams of: getting people talking.
As the dust settles from Kazakhstan, one thing’s clear – the grappling world’s appetite for high-level competition with real stakes continues to grow, and events like AIGA are stepping up to feed that hunger.
Watch the full event on YouTube!
