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Roger Gracie To Make Return to BJJ at UFC Fan Expo vs Old Rival

Roger Gracie To Make Return to BJJ at UFC Fan Expo vs Old Rival

 

 

It looks like Roger Gracie’s announced return to competition will happen sooner then expected. The 10 x world champion, ADCC champion and professional Mixed Martial Artist Roger Gracie has just announced that he plans to compete in a BJJ superfight in July.

He made the announcement on his Facebook page:

Ok guys it’s almost confirmed my return to the JJ mats. It should happen in July in a super fight. I’ll keep you posted on the date and opponent.

 

BJJEE’s sources which are close to the champion’s entourage, have leaked out the information. Roger is set to make his return to Jiu-Jitsu during the 2015 UFC International Fight Week /Fan Expo, which is planned from July 7-12th in Las Vegas. The event will host the 2015 IBJJF American National, American National No Gi and the American National Kids.

Roger Gracie is rumored to be facing another legend of the sport and old nemesis: Rodrigo ‘Comprido’ Medeiros. This two time world champion in the open weight division recently drew with Saulo Ribeiro at Metamoris. The two have faced each other numerous times in the past with Gracie winning every encounter. Gracie’s last BJJ competition was in 2010 when he won his double gold world title. He has been focusing on his MMA career since then, with mixed results. He also had submission only match at Metamoris 1 vs Marcus Buchecha which ended in a draw.

 

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Comprido at Metamoris

 

There will be at least 1 more BJJ superfight at the event, featuring two major BJJ stars. More info soon.

Statement from Dana White on the partnership between the UFC and IBJJF:

 

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During this interview last week with Fightinglifestyle UAE, Roger Gracie talked about his academy in London and how he balances his life between coaching training and competing. Furthermore Roger Gracie also talked about training with the Estima brothers and how he plans an imminent return to Gi competition.

Now its been 5 years since I last competed in the GI, Its exactly 5 years ago when I fought in the World’s in 2010 and lately I’ve been training a lot more with the GI so I am feeling very happy and excited again to compete, I train a lot with Braulio Estima and his brother Victor. I know they are competing a lot so im trying to sharpen up their game as well and I think thats what is motivating me to come back to training.”