

BJJ fighters are considered to be some of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Knowing how to take your enemy to the ground and beat him there is psychologically damaging. UFC legend Georges St-Pierre pointed out why the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov is scarier to get into the ring with than an opponent with knockout power – because of continued domination and punishment.
There are a lot of professional fighters in the world today who are experts in BJJ. However, there is one name that is revered in the combat circles. He doesn’t fight professionally and maintains a low-key profile. This man is John Danaher, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest BJJ and martial arts coaches in the world. He has forged the most legendary BJJ fighters that the world has witnessed in recent years. UFC Welterweight fighter Gunnar Nelson recently recalled and shared a story of a training incident with Danaher that would give the readers a true understanding of how dangerous this man can be.
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Training partner of Conor McGregor recalls ‘dangerous’ BJJ coach John Danaher’s story
BJJ fighters are not to be trifled with. However, the people who have taught these fighters everything they know – they can do damage that is unimaginable. Coach Danaher, as Nelson recalls, displayed how technical and dangerous he could be if he was pushed beyond a certain limit.
Twitter handle BJJotter uploaded a video where Nelson was seen talking about a particular incident where he was training under Danaher.
The time Danaher demolished some guys arm during a private for revenge 😭 pic.twitter.com/ID8Kbl5c7E
— BJJotter (@JiujitsuOtter) August 26, 2023
“I saw him broke – break some arms and stuff like that. Yeah!“, starts Nelson, shocking the interviewer right off the bat. “I remember one time where he – he snapped this guy’s arm.“, he further added.
Nelson then proceeds to demonstrate how it all unfolded right before his eyes, as he was training with the famed BJJ coach. “So this guy grabs John’s head and he’s like… John is playing guard and the guy grabs like a front headlock and just starts sprawling on him. Eventually, John gets his head out, gets into guard, pulls the pit stop, and just [makes a loud noise imitating an arm break]. So he breaks the arm and he does a back roll, does not even look at the guy, turns around, and walks into his office.“
Gunnar Nelson is a really technical fighter who has some great wins in the UFC. Furthermore, he also works out at the SBG (Straight Blast Gym) in Ireland with former UFC Lightweight champ Conor McGregor. With that in mind, Nelson talking so highly about Danaher really puts into perspective just how dangerous it can be to rub John Danaher the wrong way.
John Danaher – The legend maker
To be a good fighter and to be a good coach are two very different things. Coach Danaher, besides being one of the most proficient BJJ artists in the world, is also arguably the best coach for the same as well. He has trained the likes of UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, Chris Weidman, Jake Shields, and even the BJJ GOAT, Gordon Ryan.
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Ryan, who is considered to be the best professional BJJ fighter in the world, shared his impression of his coach and mentor on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. He said Danaher was extremely selfless and didn’t ask anything of his students – besides showing up to training on time. He also mentioned that seeing his students go out and conquer the world gave him true happiness and satisfaction.

via Imago
UFC Apex LAS VEGAS, NV – December 15: Gordon Ryan meets with the press following the bout at UFC Apex for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 3 on December 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx spp-en-LoGr-lrg2212151423939_UFC_fightpass_3
The man has dedicated his life to BJJ. On an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, he was seen discussing how to make BJJ more interesting to watch for the common people with UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
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The above story just vindicates the fact that the best fighters in the world need not necessarily be the ones that appear in popular media. There are many people who might be content with working behind the scenes and advancing a particular martial art.
Watch This Story – News of Khabib Nurmagomedov asking $5 million for grappling with Georges St-Pierre leaves the internet divided
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