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Post by jbarqu88 on Apr 13, 2011 1:05:37 GMT -5
UFC Hall of Famer and MMA legend Royce Gracie is looking to return for one last fight in the organization at UFC Rio in August, and it appears that it's coming closer to a reality.
In an interview with UOL Esporte (translated by Tom Mendes at BloodyElbow.com), the 44-year-old Gracie revealed he's in talks with the UFC and expects to have an opponent lined up for the UFC's second event in Brazil in the next couple of weeks.
"It would be the perfect place to do my last fight. I never fought in Rio de Janeiro and I couldn't be more psyched," he said. "We are negotiating [the fight deal], but we should have it finalized in two weeks. We only had an initial contact and I don't even have an opponent yet, but we should have that finalized soon."
"My weight is the same as it was twenty years ago [80kg], I am still training, keeping the blade sharp. I follow a very strict diet. I never drank, never party, Carnaval, none of that... I'm ready to fight."
The very first UFC tournament winner, Gracie was synonymous with the UFC in the early years of the organization, before the sport of mixed martial arts became the sport it is today. However, the last time he was in the Octagon, he was badly beaten by Matt Hughes at UFC 60, and he hasn't fought since 2007. A return to action has been discussed since the UFC announced their return to Brazil, but now it could be more than just talk when the UFC comes to Rio de Janeiro on August 27.
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Post by James Hetfield on Apr 13, 2011 1:08:53 GMT -5
This has been talked about for awhile that he would return on the Brazil event.
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Sandy
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Post by Sandy on Apr 13, 2011 1:34:36 GMT -5
with all due respect to Royce....who could his opponent POSSIBLY be? I see him getting wrecked by any current UFC fighter in the WW division.
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Post by 1992 on Apr 13, 2011 1:43:23 GMT -5
Ken Shamrock. ROFL
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Post by LA Times on Apr 13, 2011 11:11:44 GMT -5
with all due respect to Royce....who could his opponent POSSIBLY be? I see him getting wrecked by any current UFC fighter in the WW division. I would like to see him take on Phil Baroni but the guy got cut by the UFC. |
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Post by James Hetfield on Apr 13, 2011 11:49:34 GMT -5
with all due respect to Royce....who could his opponent POSSIBLY be? I see him getting wrecked by any current UFC fighter in the WW division. It's a novelty fight. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2011 17:14:10 GMT -5
UFC returning to Brazil, that's fantastic. As for Royce...best of luck to him.
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s13driver
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Post by s13driver on Apr 13, 2011 19:47:03 GMT -5
they'll throw him some local can.
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Sandy
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Post by Sandy on Apr 13, 2011 21:21:41 GMT -5
I understand it is a novelty fight but I would hate to see some local can f*** up Royce. I would almost prefer they put him in there with a "big name" just so that if he loses at least he will lose to someone high up on the ranks.
I don't know. Maybe I am overthinking it and not giving Royce enough credit.
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Post by SteveHulk on Apr 14, 2011 3:37:13 GMT -5
Royce is The Godfather of MMA... I'd love to see him fight one more time. Not sure who he'd go against... Matt Serra, maybe??
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Post by 1992 on Apr 14, 2011 3:39:23 GMT -5
I'm changing my pick to Bobby Lashley.
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Post by kurtangleisgod on Apr 14, 2011 4:28:37 GMT -5
I'm changing my pick to Bobby Lashley. Don't you know, Lashley only fights complete cans and turns down real fights. Even an older Gracie is too much for him |
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Sonnen
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Post by Sonnen on Apr 14, 2011 10:23:38 GMT -5
UFC 1 Rematch, lol! Seriously though, I don't mind Ken, sure he is not what he use to be, but he knows that. He had a great interview, he said he just fights for fun now, and he's going to continue whilst he is having fun. And I think that's great, and nothing wrong that. I don't know if you was taking a shot at Ken or not, ALOT of people do online. But meh, if he's enjoying what he's doing, people should just leave him be. One time only I'd be happy to see him back for a fight, just to see him again for old times sake. I have a feeling that is JUST me, but meh. I like living in the past. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2011 20:33:33 GMT -5
I want to see him face a big name. That way, if he loses, it will be understandable. I would love to see him face Condit, seeing as he is my favorite fighter, but we'll see who Dana chooses.
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Post by Mr. Old School™ on Apr 14, 2011 20:49:38 GMT -5
they'll throw him some local can. Ah, but what if this "local can" wins?? You just never know in MMA...Upsets can and will happen... |
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Post by Mr. Orange on Apr 14, 2011 23:59:05 GMT -5
Kazushi Sakuraba
It would be perfect if they could somehow get him from Japan. 2 guys that are not in their primes(Royce would get killed by most UFC WW's), Sauraba is not a can, they're 1-1 in their series. Royce fought Saku in Japan. Now its time for Saku to fight Royce in Brazil. Nevermind the fact that Sakuraba has huge history with the Gracies.
Don't lie. You'd like to see it. Royce vs any of the younger guys = bad night for Royce. Matt Hughes proved that 5 years ago, and these guys have only gotten better
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Humanbackpack
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, JKD Mixed Martial Artist.
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Post by Humanbackpack on Apr 17, 2011 19:02:33 GMT -5
it be nice if they can work a deal where its Royce vs Randy cotoure. or even chuck?
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