The 22-year-old welterweight, who has been making headlines in Muay Thai since his early teens, beat Brazilian bruiser Sidney Aguero in Bolton.
Before his switch to MMA, former St Anselm’s College student Ryan held the WMO, WBC Muay Thai, ISKA and Rajadmnern Stadium world titles in a glittering career which started at the age of six. His Muay Thai record reads 78 wins, 12 losses and one draw from 91 fights.
Dad Karl, Joe’s trainer at Two Brothers Gym in Birkenhead, said: “Joe decided to make the change to MMA as the time just felt right.
“He’d achieved everything he’d set out to do, unifying all the world titles, and this just seemed like the logical next step.”
Joe isn’t the only Two Brothers fighter to have enjoyed success recently.
The day after Joe made his MMA debut, the whole Ryan clan flew out to Bangkok where two more fighters were stepping into the ring at the legendary Rajadmnern Stadium.
First up was 20-year-old Liverpool University Criminology student Ellie Harbour, who beat Thailand-based German 22-year-old Merle Ploghoeft by unanimous decision.
Next came Joe’s younger brother Karl Jnr, 19, who added another memorable victory to his record with a first-round knockout win over Moroccan 22-year-old Oussama Dadda.
Karl, whose record now reads 11 wins and just one defeat from 12 fights, has had a successful year, beating Rio Johnson to claim the WMO Super Lightweight British Title in Liverpool last August and then overcoming Italian fighter Thristan Massobrio to win the WBC Muay Thai Super Lightweight International Title in September.
But that wasn’t it for the Two Brothers summer success story.
The Ryan brothers Joe (left) and Karl with 14-year-old Ella Evans (Image: Bees Creative Content )
Birkenhead teenager Ella Evans, 14, also travelled to Bangkok for the WBC Junior world championships – and came home with a gold medal.
Birkenhead High School Academy pupil Ella said: “Where do I start? Every early morning, every tough session, every setback and every bit of hard work was worth it for this moment. Winning in Thailand, the home of Muay Thai, makes it even more amazing.
20-year-old Liverpool University Student Ellie Harbour after her win over German 22-year-old Merle Ploghoeft. (Image: Bees Creative Content )
“Thank you Lisa (Hough-Smith) and Richard (Smith) for picking me to represent England. I’m still so emotional!”
Two Brothers Muay Thai gym in Birkenhead runs regular classes for adults and children from the age of five upwards. For more information, visit 2BrothersMuayThai.com or call 07816 972453.