Ryan Hall is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is widely recognized for his elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) abilities, which have earned him respect in both grappling and MMA communities.
Ryan Christopher Hall was born on February 22, 1985, in Arlington County, Virginia. During his youth, he was an avid athlete and participated competitively in baseball, basketball, and American football. Hall began training in martial arts in 2004 at Ronin Athletics, a mixed martial arts gym in New York City, under Christian Montes.
Initially, Hall focused on Thai boxing, showing limited interest in grappling. However, after experiencing repeated challenges during jiu-jitsu classes, he shifted his focus toward Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Motivated by his early exposure to the discipline, he competed in his first BJJ tournament in July 2004 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. His dedication grew so strong that he eventually left school to focus exclusively on jiu-jitsu training and competition.
Hall rose to prominence in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu community through prestigious tournament performances and his expertise in leg lock submissions. He earned a black belt under Felipe Costa and became known for his technical precision. He also achieved success in major grappling competitions such as the ADCC and IBJJF circuit.
In 2012, Hall gained wider public attention when a video surfaced of him subduing an aggressive individual at a restaurant. The video, which went viral on YouTube, showed Hall calmly deescalating the confrontation before using minimal force to control the attacker. The clip drew praise from both the martial arts community and the general public for his composed and effective use of self-defense.
Seeking new challenges, Hall moved to Montreal in 2012 to train at the renowned Tristar Gym, home to several prominent MMA fighters. After establishing an impressive regional MMA record, he earned a spot in the UFC by winning season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2015.
In July 2019, Hall delivered a notable performance at UFC Fight Night 155 against veteran Darren Elkins. Known primarily for his grappling, Hall surprised fans by knocking down Elkins with a high roundhouse kick. He ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory, showcasing his evolving striking skills in addition to his already formidable ground game.
Alongside his competitive career, Ryan Hall co-founded the Fifty/50 Academy in Arlington, Virginia—a training facility dedicated to advanced Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA instruction. The academy has cultivated a reputation for excellence, particularly in grappling, and attracts students from around the country.
| Net Worth 2021: | 19 million |
