Could UFC:Rio mean the return of Royce?

http://www.mmamania.com/2010/12/16/1879803/ufc-rio-could-the-promotions-return-to-brazil-also-prompt-the-return
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, 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.

For more on the UFC "Rio" announcement click here.

who's he gonna fight? I'm not so sure about this

who the fuck would he fight against?

forrest petz
james wilkes
?
?
?

Sakuraba, Hughes?

could not imagine what hughes would do to him this time around.

I bet dana makes it happen. I mean fuck you have to regardless of the outcome it would be epic to have the man fight in brazil. And Randy comes back to fight Machida as well Im calling it now.

sokolkevin (Thu Dec 16, 2010 10:08 am) wrote:

could not imagine what hughes would do to him this time around.

yea, thats what i was thinking as well

Who's he gonna fight?

Wolfgangsta wrote:

Who's he gonna fight?

Maybe they will put him on the card if he agrees to fight with one boxing glove on his hand for ole' times sake.

They would have to bring in someone from the outside if they did it. Can't think of anyone in the UFC that wouldn't beat him down mercilessly

bobbitt15 wrote:

They would have to bring in someone from the outside if they did it. Can't think of anyone in the UFC that wouldn't beat him down mercilessly

Sign Gumby and let em fight.

gumby has been on a tear as of late and would destroy royce but that would be a good bjj match.

sokolkevin wrote:

gumby has been on a tear as of late and would destroy royce but that would be a good bjj match.

Somthing like 7-1 outside the UFC. He did lose his fight before last, I think.

Let him fight Nate Diaz or get Pat Milletich for one last fight.

Ludo wrote:

Let him fight Nate Diaz or get Pat Milletich for one last fight.

Would a Gracie trained fighter really want to beat a Gracie in Brazil? I don't think Nate would agree to that.

Gracies aren't as unified as they used to be since Helio died. There was a big power struggle there for a while. I don't think Nate would have a problem fighting anyone other than Cesar and maybe Rickson.

Ludo wrote:

Gracies aren't as unified as they used to be since Helio died. There was a big power struggle there for a while. I don't think Nate would have a problem fighting anyone other than Cesar and maybe Rickson.

I dunno, it being in Brazil and being a big time event might factor into that. I think a Legends match if possible would be better anyways.

Yes, I agree Nate Diaz would respect the Gracie lineage in Brazil...



lol wut.

interesting will watch and see what happens