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Rorion Gracie: ‘I Stopped Following The UFC 15 Years Ago’

Rorion Gracie: ‘I Stopped Following The UFC 15 Years Ago’

 

 

Rorion Gracie is one of the biggest names in MMA history. The eldest son of Hélio Gracie stood outside the tatami mats is the co-founder (together with Art Davies) of the UFC, which became the largest mixed martial arts event on the planet.

In an interview with Tatame he stated that he is no longer interested in the UFC since he sold it in the mid 90’s mainly due to changes in the rules implemented by the new direction.

“Vale Tudo began in Brazil, and when I went to the United States, I wanted to expand Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In 1993 created the UFC just to show in the Octagon the quality of Jiu-Jitsu. And we can show on TV, internationally, the efficiency of art. But, after I sold it, everything changed, they put time limits, judges, rounds … So it’s 15 years since I’ve seen anything from the UFC, because it’s turned more into entertainment than real fight. Today the guy can block the fight and win on points, before we didn’t have time limits, so you couldn’t do that. But they are working well, the more they grow, more fighters have a chance, “

 

He has received in his Academy in California, some of the best MMA fighters today. One of these big names is Ronda Rousey. Despite not being a fan of female MMA, Gracie praised the success and the dedication of the UFC champion:

“Ronda is having great success, especially after Anderson left, St. Pierre left, Jones also, and it opened space for her. Ronda deserves it, she is a woman with a huge potential. She is very dedicated and professional. I personally think that MMA, it’s not for women, but they’re there seeking their space in the MMA world”

Rorion with Royce and Rickson Gracie during UFC 1

Rorion with Royce and Rickson Gracie during UFC 1

The 9th degree red belt says that he does not show interest in MMA. Jiu-Jitsu, accompanying him since childhood, is still his biggest hobby and “bread and butter”: in the USA, he lectures and trains members of the u.s. armed forces, besides preparing Hollywood actors for action movies.

“Currently don’t teach anyone to fight, but to live. I’m focused on the concepts of the Gracie diet, and my work is the promotion of this lifestyle, which I consider more important than his own Brazilian jiu-jitsu “