A week ago, UFC fans were caught by surprise by news about Roger Gracie . After the defeat from Tim Kennedy, at UFC 162, Gracie was cut by the UFC who decided not to renew his contract.
In an exclusive interview with tatame, the 10 X World Jiu-Jitsu champion proved resigned to the decision and said that the dismissal was far from surprise for him.
“I had expected this. I knew that the contract would be have to be renewed after the fight and was aware of this risk, especially after the fight where I got tired early and did not show what I wanted, “he said.
Roger chose not to talk about the reasons that led the UFC to cut him without a second chance.
“I prefer not to say anything. I lost this fight. It was unfortunate the way the defeat happened, even the physical part. I could not do what I had planned. This is the worst defeat, when you do not get to do what you want because of a disability. I’m not happy about the situation, but I have to look at the positive side. I am dedicating myself to MMA. I didn’t win 3 world absolute titles just with victories. The defeats also made me get where I got. I face this the same way. It gives me more desire to train and dedicate myself to the place I want to go, “he explained.
About future organisations where he may fight:
“My business people are seeing to it. We’re looking, but there is nothing concrete. Soon we’ll make a decision. Probably I’ll fight this year or at the beginning of next year.”
He prefers to stay at middleweight:
“If I am to choose, I prefer to fight at middleweight. I have several advantages, by my size, and the fighters are lighter. But I still do not know. I’m thinking about it. Now I’ll go to a nutritionist and decide if I will do good well at middleweight.”
He might leave England, where he has a gym, to train in the United States.
“Yes, I do have plans to train in the United States. Especially after this defeat. MMA is very professional, and I really want to get where I want to be, I have to be dedicated and professional. I want to leave the teaching career aside and dedicate myself to training. My teachers and my wife can help me in the gym to get away a bit. My strategy is the same. I want to dedicate myself to MMA and it’s hard to do both BJJ and Jiu-Jitsu. I do not want to be on the fence, but still intend to fight Jiu-Jitsu. My passion is the kimono. However, this next ADCC is out of the question.”
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.