One of the biggest names in MMA history, Royce Gracie was challenged to assemble his own "Mount Rushmore" of the sport. The expression, inspired by the American monument that brings together the faces of four US presidents, was used to define the four greatest names in the sport. The Brazilian revealed which legends he considers indispensable on the list and explained the reason for each nomination.
In an interview with the 'GSP Podcast' channel, hosted by former double champion Georges St-Pierre, Royce was asked to compile his list of the four greatest fighters of all time. The former fighter began his list with a tribute to his own father, Hélio Gracie, considered one of the main figures responsible for the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of the most influential figures in the history of martial arts.
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“Of course, I have to include my father. My uncle Carlos was the first to learn, but it was my father who developed the defensive style, the whole concept of how to defend yourself. He had an advantage with the techniques, so he was the one who developed all of MMA and challenged everyone, going on the offensive. So, definitely, it would have been my father,” Royce stated.
The son of Hélio Gracie, the Brazilian was responsible for introducing the efficiency of Jiu-Jitsu to the world by winning three of the first four editions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Even facing larger opponents and specialists in other disciplines, the athlete won the organization's inaugural tournament and helped consolidate the sport, becoming one of the greatest icons in its history.
“If you were there, I’d put Anderson Silva in , and if I had to choose four, I’d definitely put Jon Jones in . Those would be the four guys I’d choose,” Royce concluded.
After mentioning his father, he chose Georges St-Pierre himself, considered by many to be one of the most complete athletes in UFC history. The Canadian was champion in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg) and the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), consolidating a legacy marked by longevity, technique, and dominance over his opponents.
In addition, the Brazilian pointed to Anderson Silva , former middleweight champion and holder of the longest streak of title defenses in the category, as well as Jon Jones , frequently cited among the greatest fighters of all time.
Royce Gracie's legacy in MMA
Even before MMA became a global phenomenon, UFC 1 presented the world with one of the most impactful demonstrations of the efficiency of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Representing the Gracie family, Royce entered the octagon to face larger opponents with different fighting styles, surprising the audience with his technique, strategy, and ground control.
This performance marked the beginning of a historic journey. The fighter won the UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4 tournaments, becoming the organization's first major symbol and helping to prove the importance of grappling in MMA. With victories over athletes from different disciplines, the Brazilian paved the way for the sport's evolution and became one of the most influential figures in the history of mixed martial arts. In recognition of his legacy, he was inducted into the organization's first Hall of Fame ceremony in 2003.
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