Renzo / GRACIEMAG archive photo
Our GMA in New York Renzo Gracie was interviewed by journalist Ariel Helwani for the “MMA Hour” program on MMAFighting.com. As with in all the Gracie’s interviews, there was no lack of brash statements, great stories and laid-back banter. Check out a few excerpts:
Return to fighting
“… I have this grappling match with Zé Mario Sperry coming up and it was a great present from Sheikh Tahnoon to call on Zé for this superfight. In reality, it’s a way for me to sharpen up my game for a return to MMA. It’s a great chance to get in shape and get ready. For sure I’ll be back in the UFC…”
“… I’ll fight for free, anywhere, that’s how much I like it. But the UFC pays me – how can I say no? That’s the reality. But when I fight, it’s because I like doing it. I love this sport so much…”
Renzo vs. Royce
“… I believe Royce will fight again. He’s my age, 44, and Randy Couture fought until he was 47…”
“… Really, the only person I wouldn’t fight is my mother! Anybody else, no problem (laughs)! But a lot of people talk about Gracie against Gracie… I wouldn’t like to fight him; we defend the same principles, the same art, the same family…”
Royler vs. Eddie Bravo at ADCC
“… I spoke with Tahnoon just before coming here. He’s working on it. I’m sure the match will happen…”
MMA refereeing
“… If your back is to the ground, you lose. That’s how they think. Sometimes the guys is trying to end it the whole time, going for a triangle or armbar… How do you score that? The judges don’t know how to judge that. Not many of them specialize in that, study Jiu-Jitsu or understand submissions. I could help. I can do a clinic at my academy and show them about it…”
Watch the full interview below: