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[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

UFC Rio: Could the promotion's return to Brazil also prompt the return of Royce Gracie?
by Eduardo Cruz on Dec 16, 2010

UFC Rio: Could the promotion's return to Brazil also prompt the return of Royce Gracie? - MMA Mania

During yesterday's (Dec. 15) UFC press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the man who won the first two editions of the famed tournament, Royce Gracie, hinted that he may not be retired just yet and if necessary, is ready to fight.

"I'm still thinking (on fighting in Rio). But I'm always training," he said laughing. "This return of UFC to Brazil touched me, made me feel the wish of coming back to the Octagon. Everything has being negotiated with Dana White. Let's wait and see."

Royce wrote his name in the MMA history books by finishing taller, stronger and heavier opponents using the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) taught by his father and mentor Helio Gracie.

He won three out of four editions before continuing his career in Japan.

The Gracie family was fundamental to solidify the mixed martial arts. In the old days, members of the Gracie clan challenged athletes from other martial arts to prove the efficiency and superiority of their BJJ.

Rorion Gracie founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship but the organization turned out greater after Zuffa purchased the struggling promotion and currently holds events in seven countries outside the United States.

Another Gracie, Renzo, is under contract and could also appear on Aug 27 fight card. Despite both legends being over forty (Royce is 44 and Renzo is 43), they still have appeal and respect from the fans and the UFC will make every effort to put on an attractive show for the South American fans

UFC Rio: Could the promotion's return to Brazil also prompt the return of Royce Gracie? - MMA Mania

This could be cool. I guess BJ would have an opponent if he loses to Fitch....

[JustinVoorhees]

It would be neat to seem him in there again but I think he gets destroyed by the new younger crop of fighters.

[Fedorlei Gomipierre]

Honestly, with the way DREAM looks right about now, Sakuraba/Royce III could be a nice little treat.

[iced]

Originally Posted by Fedorlei Gomipierre

This could be cool. I guess BJ would have an opponent if he loses to Fitch....

or put fitch against royce after he and bj fight (if bj wins). may actually force fitch into a stand up role! lolz i think the style of the two would be great!

[Pasha K]

Royce is a legend and all that but I dont see why he should return to the octagon. If they put him against some young, skilled fighter I think he is going to lose pretty quickly.

Bj Penn or Fitch woud kill him

[LethalStriker]

If B.J. and Royce were to fight I guess they could do it as a catchweight fight at 175.

[mattc25]

Originally Posted by Pashak

Royce is a legend and all that but I dont see why he should return to the octagon. If they put him against some young, skilled fighter I think he is going to lose pretty quickly.

Bj Penn or Fitch woud kill him

...Exactly....either of those matchups would make no sense. Like FedorleiGomi said do some sort of legends fight.

[snakebite]

Originally Posted by Pashak

Royce is a legend and all that but I dont see why he should return to the octagon. If they put him against some young, skilled fighter I think he is going to lose pretty quickly.

Bj Penn or Fitch woud kill him

uhhh exactly! Anyone who is a fan of royce would petition against this right here becaus bj and fitch would surely give royce a nice vaca in the hospital.

[WileyThaOne]

Originally Posted by Pashak

Royce is a legend and all that but I dont see why he should return to the octagon. If they put him against some young, skilled fighter I think he is going to lose pretty quickly.

Bj Penn or Fitch woud kill him

this.

[316]

All i see if Royce comes back is another Hughes beating.