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Royce Gracie Explains Why He Needs a Bodyguard

Royce Gracie Explains Why He Needs a Bodyguard

In a candid and entertaining interview, Royce Gracie, a pioneer of mixed martial arts and a legend in the UFC, shares why he chooses to have a bodyguard despite being one of the most skilled fighters in the world. The conversation, hosted on the JAXXON Podcast, delves into the thought process behind Gracie’s decision and his practical approach to dealing with public attention.

A Master of Distraction

When asked why someone of his caliber needs a bodyguard, Gracie responded with an insightful and somewhat humorous explanation. He stated:

“I shoot better than I can fight, okay? But if I’m walking down the street and [my bodyguard] is next to me or across the street, everybody will look at him. Nobody sees me. So it’s more to call attention—a distraction. Everybody looks at him, ‘Oh my God, look at that guy,’ and I’ll go right by the crowd. Nobody sees me.”

Gracie’s strategy isn’t about physical protection; it’s about avoiding attention. His bodyguard acts as a decoy, allowing him to remain inconspicuous, even in public spaces.

The Vegas Incident

Gracie recounted a memorable incident in Las Vegas that highlighted the importance of having a bodyguard for crowd control. He explained how his two sons, teenagers at the time, tried to help him navigate a dense crowd:

“We were in Vegas one time, and my two sons were like, ‘Excuse me, move, move, move,’ trying to tell the crowd to let us through. But there were too many people. The crowd wasn’t moving.”

At that point, Gracie signaled his bodyguard, Alex, who stepped in to solve the problem:

“He came from behind, picked me up off the ground, and said, ‘Move.’ I told the crowd, ‘I’d love to stay, but he’s carrying me away!’ He just walked me out.”

This humorous yet practical demonstration of his bodyguard’s role underscores the need for assistance in managing enthusiastic fans and overwhelming crowds.

The Need for Discretion

Gracie also observed that his bodyguard isn’t always necessary, as modern distractions often help him blend in with the public:

“Most people don’t look at people in the face. Most people are like this”—he mimicked looking at a phone—“I walk very smooth, no crowds.”

Despite his global fame and status as a UFC icon, Gracie noted that staying low-profile has become easier in the smartphone era.

Fans and Public Recognition

The podcast hosts lauded Gracie’s immense contribution to the world of mixed martial arts and UFC, calling him:

“One of the greatest to ever do it—the inventor of this game. UFC 1, UFC 2, UFC 3, UFC 4—the guy’s been there. He’s seen it all.”

Gracie humbly acknowledged his role as a public figure while reiterating that the bodyguard is not about fear of danger but about practicality in managing public attention:

“Sometimes fans are weird, though. It’s not because somebody’s going to do something, but there’s too many people, and the crowd stops you in such a way that you can’t move.”

Royce Gracie: A Legend with a Plan

Royce Gracie’s explanation of why he employs a bodyguard provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a martial arts icon. His pragmatic approach shows that even the toughest fighters in the world sometimes need help—not for protection from harm, but to navigate the challenges of fame. With his signature humor and humility, Gracie gives fans an inside look at how he balances his legendary status with everyday life.

For fans and fight enthusiasts, the interview is a reminder that even heroes have their unique strategies for staying grounded, and in Gracie’s case, it’s about using smarts over strength.

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