Career
Ricky started Jiu-Jitsu at age six and is credited with being the youngest North American to receive the rank of black belt in Gracie (Brazilian) Jiu-Jitsu (age 19 when received). He represented the United States of America for Grappling 2x and is a 2x FILA World Championship in Submission Grappling under FILA (International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles), the same organization that oversees Olympic wrestling. Ricky started College at Utah Valley University when he was 15yrs old and graduated with a science degree at 18.
He was recruited by Cody and Cael Sanderson as a college senior to wrestle for Iowa State University at the age of 20.
He is the 1st D1 Wrestler to ever be recruited having only Jiu-Jitsu/Submission Grappling experience and no folkstyle match experience. Ricky holds notable wins over several world champions including Nicolas Renier, Tom Lecuyer, Brandon Ruiz, Alberto Crane and Jeff Glover, both in no-gi submission grappling tournaments.