Could a Gracie be Headed to the UFC?

Relentless · 10-28-2008, 02:25 PM

Not since the legendary Royce Gracie made his return to the Octagon to battle Matt Hughes a few years ago have we seen another member of the Gracie family do battle in the UFC, but that could change in 2009.

Rumors have begun circulating that famed trainer, coach and fighter, Renzo Gracie, could land with the juggernaut promotion early next year.

While serving as a guest on HDNet's Inside MMA last week, Gracie confirmed that he would indeed be returning to fighting next year.

"I'm definitely I'm looking forward to next year to be back in action," Gracie said on the show.

With over 1,000 students at his main Manhattan school and more Renzo Gracie academies opening all the time, the famed grappler has had his hands full with the day to day operations of his gyms, but he says that he wants to celebrate his 42nd birthday in 2009 with a return to MMA competition.

In his last 3 fights, Gracie has gone 3-0 with wins over Frank Shamrock, Pat Miletich and Carlos Newton. But now with both Elite XC and the IFL gone by the wayside, Gracie will have to move on to a new promotion for his fighting career.

The interest in having a member of the Gracie family back in the UFC has to be a hot prospect for the promotion and Renzo is as well respected as any fighter in the entire sport.

The Brazilian legend will likely drop to either 170 or 155lbs when he returns to the sport.

Stay tuned to the MMAInsider for more information as it becomes available.

Swizzie · 10-28-2008, 02:27 PM

He's gonna get Roycerized big time.

Relentless · 10-28-2008, 02:28 PM

Renzo was always better than Royce, but yeah i don't expect much from Renzo as much as i love him

Rydawg · 10-28-2008, 02:55 PM

I think it might sell ok but I think Poor Renzo could get wrecked by whoever he fights which is more interesting to me who their gonna put him up against if that happens.

milesteg · 10-28-2008, 02:57 PM

I doubt he's going to the UFC. They're not going to pay him that Gracie-money. He'd get beaten by basically everyone in the top 30. Not to mention what asses does he put in seats? Does anyone who knows who Renzo is NOT watch the UFC?

I like Renzo and will watch him whereever he lands I just don't see him in the Octagon.

Relentless · 10-28-2008, 03:05 PM

i know him and Dana are mad tight, they've always had a close relationship, Renzo has always been my favorite Gracie

KneeOnBelly · 10-28-2008, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Relentless

i know him and Dana are mad tight, they've always had a close relationship, Renzo has always been my favorite Gracie

he's really, really an awesome guy and a real warrior. funny as hell and very down to earth. that being said, i think he'll get clobbered though.

Relentless · 10-28-2008, 03:19 PM

yeah i think so too, he might be able to have a couple of fun fights with a couple guys at 155, i've always enjoyed watching him fight

KneeOnBelly · 10-28-2008, 03:23 PM

did you ever watch some of those old, old fights with him in brazil? that was crazy shit, fuckin kids fighting in the street with crazy brazilians yelling and screaming! totally awesome!

Relentless · 10-28-2008, 03:27 PM

he's a complete bad ass, i met him back in May at a seminar, i didn't even know he was going to be here, i go to my coach "that guy looks just like Renzo Gracie" and he's like "you fucking idiot that is Renzo" and i was pretty much star struck, he came up to me and goes "you just going to sit there and watch or are you here to learn" and i got right up and rolled with him, he's a really good guy, bulldog strong, when i took him down he goes "i gave you that single leg"..he was very open and was having a full conversation while we were rolling telling me what to do and how to do it