UFC legend Royce Gracie on Bellator in UAE & Conor McGregor

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • The UAE is one of Gracie's favourite destinations to visit.

    Sport360 caught up with Ulimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer and Brazilian Jiu-Jistu practitioner Royce Gracie at Golds Gym, Al Barsha Mall.

    The ‘Godfather of MMA’ holds legendary status on the fighting scene and won the inaugural UFC tournament in 1993. That same year he was named ‘Fighter of the Year’ by Fight Matrix. 

    Mixed martial arts has grown massively since Gracie became a household name, and the UFC is the largest MMA stable in the world. Sitting down to talk with Sport360, the master of submissions discusses the rising interest in MMA in the UAE and how the UFC has changed into the powerhouse fight organisation it is today.

    What do you plan to do whilst you are visiting the United Arab Emirates?

    Every six months I come over to Dubai to visit my friends and train some children. 

    Have you been impressed by the MMA scene in the Emirates? 

    Yes, it has certainly improved. It’s awesome how they are teaching MMA and self defence in schools now in the UAE. 

    How has UFC changed since your first fought in 1993?

    In the beginning it was one style against one style, today it’s one athlete against another athlete. Who’s better prepared and who has the best strategy comes out on top. 

    We knew MMA was going to get big in America. The likes of Bellator and UFC are huge in the States. It was just a case of educating the crowd at the beginning. 

    Could you see yourself stepping back into the ring? 

    Nothing is impossible. If they make me an offer I can’t refuse I would be tempted.

    How impressive is UFC’s latest icon Conor McGregor?

    He’s a very good fighter. He’s sharp and very precise. I enjoy his fighting style but I don’t enjoy his trash talking. I think it’s a little bit too much. He should respect his opponents, that’s the martial arts right there.

    Would you consider being an MMA trainer for a fighter?

    I don’t have the time to train one fighter so I do little bits with everyone. I’m on the road so much it is hard for me to train one specific fighter.

    Fight Club: Big fights belatedly on the way for Gennady Golovkin
    Fury on Klitschko: “You have as much charisma as my underpants”
    Fight Club: Conor McGregor backs up hype as UFC 189 delivers big

    Which MMA events would you like to see in the UAE?

    I would love to see Bellator come to Dubai. UFC came to Abu Dhabi, why not bring Bellator to Dubai? 

    Bellator and UFC are a step above their rivals because of the quality of fighters. They get the best guys from the small shows and give them a chance. 

    Favourite fighter of all time: 

    It’s got to be my father Helio Gracie.

    Recommended