Ryan Jimmo

Ryan Jimmo  was born on November 27th, 1981 in Saint John, New Brunswick, and is no stranger to Martial Arts. He grew up in a Karate family, and is the youngest of four children. His father, a 5th degree black belt passed the sport onto Jimmo, and at the age of ten he did what he does with everything else in his life, he thirsted for more.  As a child he was a victim of bullying, but as he progressed as a fighter and gained confidence through Karate, his fighting abilities demanded respect on the streets of Saint John.

His siblings use to test his balance while he walked across a two by four by shaking it.  He spent night after night in his parent's basement, which was floored with brown shag carpet covered in tape to assist him with his foot work. He would practice the same kicks over and over again, perfecting every move until his feet were raw and dripping with blood.  One weekend while his parents were away, ambivalent to any consequences, he sold their couch and television for $100 to make more room to train.  His fathers only objection was that he didnt get more money for the couch.  With his father as his Sensei, and his mothers unwavering support, Jimmo has over a 1000 Karate fights under his belt, presently holds a 2nd degree black belt, and is a Pan Am Silver and Bronze medalist.  His Karate background continues to play a pivotal role in and outside of the octagon.  Karate taught him not only great fighting techniques but great discipline, focus and work ethic.

"Its taught me to understand a system of fighting and understand how to learn it in a more efficient manner. The athleticism and physicality are great attributes. I found my kicks are a step above most MMA practitioners as well as my footwork. There are two sides to most karate systems, traditional and sport and both have attributes that warrant praise. My time in Karate has been invaluable in my life and I wouldnt be the person I am today without it.".  - Ryan Jimmo

This 28 year old Big Deal MMA fighter has Big Dreams and limits his distractions by living a life free from extravagances; allowing himself to fully marinate in a vision, a vision to be at the top of this sport.  A vision to be the best in the world.  And his eat, sleep, train mentality is going to get him there, one opponent at a time.  When he is not in the gym pushing his body to the limits, he is spending his time pushing his mind there.  The only thing that comes close to his thirst for being the best in the world in the Octagon, is his thirst for knowledge.  His brain is a sponge, constantly searching for more wisdom and new information to soak in.  His collections of books range in subject from Quantum Physics, Chess, to Religion to enough books to complete an undergrad degree in Psychology.  He can reference George Carlin, Stephen Hawkings, or W.C Fields (to name a few) without hesitation. In high school he was President of the Chess club as well as captain of the Football team.  In 2004, he broke his leg in Karate, and to fill the time he took up amateur bodybuilding.  After five short weeks of training he went on to win several championships.  Ryan Jimmo is out to prove that he is a Big Deal in all venues of life, he defies the stereotypes and will always be mentally and physically prepared to get in the ring and deliver.

Jimmo originally moved to Halifax to train more extensively with Karate, and then began training further in Jujitsu, which started in Saint John for cross training. He became frustrated with the lack of opportunities for amateur sports in this country and decided that if he could become one of the best in the world in one sport, that he could put that same dedication and drive toward MMA and have more opportunities to open himself up as a fighter.

Three years after his first professional fight Jimmo is on a 13-1 winning streak, and is considered by some, to be the best in Canada for his weight class (205LB).

Last year 2008, Jimmo was the first Maritimer to appear on Ultimate Fighter, TUF8.  His experience on the show, with trainer ANTONIO ROGERIO NOGUEIRA and other like-minded fighters gave him a taste of what is to come.  Shorty after his appearance on TUF8;  Jimmo quickly secured 2 TKO wins, first against Chris Fontaine (Former TKO champ) and then Rick Roufus (6x World Kick Boxing champ), as well as a win over Jesse Forbes (Ultimate Fighter, Season 3).  On February 4th, 2009 Jimmo was ranked 25th out of the top 100 Light Heavies by TopGun MMA .  Shortly thereafter  Jimmo realized that his training potential would soon plateau if he remained in Halifax.  With the realization that he needed to access a deeper pool of talent, he made an important pivotal decision for his career and decided to move once again, this time to Edmonton, Alberta.  July of 2009 Jimmo ventured across country with nothing in hand but the bag on his back, and  it has since proved fruitful.  Upon his arrival he signed a contract with MFC, found a home with  Hayabusa Training Center  and continued his winning streak against notable fighters, Marvin Eastman (UFC vet) and Emanuel-Newton.  To be mentioned in the same breath as some of the best in the world, only three short years after his first Professional fight, confirms that Jimmo is proving himself to be the fastest rising MMA star in the country.

When it comes to training, Jimmo is a force to reckon with. This fighter is hungry.  And he's a fighter to watch out for.  Don't let his resume of deadly kicks and successes influence you to categorize him. Keep in mind, that he defies all stereotypes.  His confidence does not supersede his humility. This is a fighter to love: for his fight, for his character and for his ability to deliver.. And lets not forget  his signature move.  Hes a 6"2, 205 lb MMA fighter who break dances and entertains with his smooth robotic moves after every win.  Just more spotlight for this young fighter whose eyes light up at the thought of stardom.  And its just around the corner.