Royce Gracie's UFC Return

[FUZO]

TweetRoyce Gracie's UFC Return Almost a Done Deal



MMA pioneer Royce Gracie has long been rumored to be fighting on the UFC's card in Rio this summer, but it looks like rumors may in fact be turning to reality. In an interview given to UOL Esportes, Royce addressed the possibility of returning to Brazil this summer to fight in the UFC.
"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. 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" said the 44 year old Gracie.

Gracie's last appearance in the octagon was at UFC 60 when he was defeated by Matt Hughes via first round TKO, although Gracie did go on to defeat Kazushi Sakuraba at the K-1 Dynamite USA show one year later. Following the fight, Royce's urine sample given to the CSAC was found to have high levels of the steroid Nandralone, although he denied ever taking any banned substance. Since then, Gracie has been inactive from MMA competition, but maintains that he's in just as good of shape as he ever was.
"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 UFC's return to Brazil is expected to take place August 27th from the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro and is rumored to feature a middleweight title fight between Anderson Silva and Yushin Okami.

[JsJs24]

TweetI always liked Gracie but I think his best days are far behind him. I don't doubt that he's in great shape. However, I do believe these older guys convince themselves that they are in as good of shape as ever, which is just not possible. Albeit he's probably in better shape than the vast majority of people his age, but he is not in the shape it takes to fight a younger MMA fighter. Perhaps he could fight someone in their late 30s or early 40s, someone closer to his age. Still, I'll be cheering him on if he fights.

[tn94z]

TweetThe problem is the fighters of today (regardless of age) are not the fighters of his era. He has one shot and that is to submit his opponent. Most fighters today are well enough versed in BJJ, that their defense is good enough to fend off most attacks. Now Royce has many many tricks up his sleeve, but then you have to take into consideration the size, strength, etc....He is just outgunned.

The problem is that fighters are competitors and LOVE competition. That is why most have such a hard time leaving the sport. Chuck for example. He knew that all he has to do is land a punch and he would probably get a win. The problem is that everyone knows it's coming and they know how to avoid it. The sport has evolved and for the guys that didn't evolve with it...it's game over.

[O2BESOHUGE]

TweetDOES HE JUST NEED A PAYDAY?

[Strella]

TweetHes too weak and one dimensional to beat any of the top 10 guys in his division. My prediction is he will get pummeled by who ever fights him esp if they guy has good standup.

[jipped genes]

Tweetrenzo if he would get his cardio up to par could compete. he tuned up matt hughes unti he gassed.

[tn94z]

Tweet

renzo if he would get his cardio up to par could compete. he tuned up matt hughes unti he gassed.

This I agree with. I really thought Renzo was going to do well, but he gassed like crazy

[whitetail]

TweetThrow Couture at him, then Royce he would know what its like to still be in shape at his age

[jipped genes]

Tweetroyce does not gas he is just not a strong man. renzo is a fast twitch monster but cant go more than 1 round. mix the 2 for a good fighter (and take off 15-20 years)