R. Gracie (photo) tried to explain Brazil's situation in the UFC. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
After dominating four UFC categories a few years ago, Brazil today only has one champion and is experiencing one of its lowest moments in the organization. The last remaining title in the country belongs to José Aldo, and if it is lost next Saturday (25), in the fight against Chad Mendes, there will not be at least one Brazilian title holder in the Octagon for the first time in the last eight years. For the legendary Royce gracie, champion of three of the first four Ultimate tournaments, the explanation for this sudden drop comes from the preparation of the fighters.
“It's a strategy game. You can't just be tough and talented. People from outside (from Brazil) know how to work with the strategy very well. You have to know your opponent and take him out of his own game. It may seem easy in the end, but he trained really hard to get you to do this, take one wrong step and then he beats you in 30 seconds. That’s strategy, I think they’re missing that (Brazilian fighters)”, said Royce, in an interview with the “MMA Fighting” website.
Despite recognizing that it is difficult for a fighter to achieve results as impressive as his using just one martial art, Royce stated that he does not like that some athletes abandon their roots. “A fighter has been doing jiu-jitsu, boxing or kickboxing his whole life and then he wants to do something else in the ring? If you've trained jiu-jitsu your whole life, why trade punches against a striker? ”He asked.
Among the athletes who follow his guide, Gracie mentioned his favorites. “That’s why I like the Demian Maia and Fabricio Werdum. Demian will take you to the ground and play his game. Werdum learned to fight standing up to know what's ahead, but he never stopped using jiu-jitsu. He will clinch, take you to the ground and submit you. It's a strategy game. It’s not enough to be talented, you have to use strategy”, he guaranteed.
At 47, Royce gracie He ended his career with a professional record of 14 wins, two defeats and three draws. Champion of UFC 1, 2 and 4 tournaments in the 90s, Royce returned to the octagon in 2006, already acting under the new set of rules, and ended up defeated by the former welterweight champion Matt hugs. Recently, the legendary jiu-jitsu black belt signed a contract with Bellator, Ultimate's biggest competitor today, to help promote the event.
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