The black belt, Roger gracie, world jiu-jitsu champion and ADCC champion in the absolute category, now intends to dedicate himself to MMA.
“My next step is now MMA – that's what I'm thinking about most of the time,” said Gracie, who plans to continue competing in one or two prestigious submission tournaments.
In MMA, Roger doesn't challenge anyone, but he wants good competition.
“I don't like doing easy fights,” explained Gracie. “I prefer not to fight in every event. It’s just a matter of when I think I’ll be ready to fight the best.”
On December 2, 2006, Roger made his MMA debut against Ron Waterman at BodogFight. Despite being 25 kg heavier, with more than 20 MMA fights and experience in events such as Pride and UFC, the veteran was submitted with an arm-bar, from guard, four minutes into the first round.
Almost a year after his debut, Roger received new invitations, but he did not sign a contract for any other fight and is awaiting good invitations.
The son of Reyla Gracie (daughter of Carlos Gracie.) as well as Rolls Gracie, Roger is a black belt under Mauricio Motta Gomes and has a legacy of over eighty years behind him. Tradition is not something he ignores.
“I don't fight for myself,” he said. “I fight for my family.”
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