There is no better story teller in the mixed martial arts world than Renzo Gracie.
The MMA legend has been one of the sport’s most vibrant personalities throughout his storied career and has earned his reputation as a captivating yarn spinner.
As a member of MMA’s founding family, the New York-based jiu-jitsu guru has traveled the globe and competed on a collection of the biggest stages in mixed martial arts history. His success in the fires of live combat and his impressive track record in the coaching realm have certified his legendary status along the way.
The 46-year-old pioneer helped pave the way for a floundering sport to grow into the global juggernaut it has presently become. Naturally, in a journey that vast, there are going to be classic tales to be told and the world famous jiu-jitsu coach is the perfect vehicle to deliver the recollections of a time before MMA was at the forefront of combat sports.
In this installment, Gracie recalls his first professional MMA bout in his homeland of Brazil. While jiu-jitsu is a way of life in modern day Brazil, back in the early 90s, the discipline had yet to take over the country, and the 23-year-old Gracie encountered strange happenings during his professional debut in Sao Paulo.
The former Pride and UFC veteran had to go the extra mile to capture the victory in the matchup and Gracie tells the story in proper “Renzo fashion.”
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