Press Release
NEW YORK, NY (November 17, 2010) – Shine Fight Promotions (Shine Fights) today announced the addition of Rolles Gracie to its heavyweight roster. The son of legendary Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Rolls Gracie, and a member of MMA’s most famous family, Gracie is the latest member of the famed clan to carry on the familial legacy in the sport of MMA.
A brilliant grappler in his own right, Rolles’ recent titles include No-Gi American National Ultra-Heavyweight Champion, No-Gi Pan-American Champion, and 3-time Pan-American Champion.
“Rolles Gracie is one of the best grapplers in the world. He is consistently working on developing his game and he is ready to show his true capabilities in ring. If there is one thing history has taught us , it is that an in shape, ready to go Gracie, is a very dangerous thing,” said Shine Fights COO Jason Chambers.
Rolles (3-1) trains with another legendary member of his family in UFC/Pride veteran Renzo Gracie. Also a judo practitioner, a sport in which he is a 3rd dan black belt, the grappling specialist joined the International Fight League for his first MMA fight in 2007, where he promptly submitted his opponent.
After running his record to 3-0 with three submission victories, Gracie joined the UFC, where he faced Joey Beltran in his Octagon debut. After a strong showing early on, Gracie’s conditioning betrayed him, and he went on to suffer a stinging TKO defeat. Learning from the experience, Gracie is bound and determined to make it on his own merits in the world of MMA.
A featured coach on season eleven of The Ultimate Fighter, Gracie has trained former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans extensively in no-gi jiu-jitsu. Rolles is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, Sr., the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is the son of Rolls Gracie, who is widely considered to be the Gracie family’s most legendary BJJ practitioner.
Standing 6′ 4″ and weighing 250 pounds, Rolles is physically the largest in the history of the Gracie clan. As a result, he brings a unique element to Gracie grappling. He is a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a multi-title holding champion, not only in BJJ, but also in judo and submission wrestling. He brings a mat pedigree to Shine that few can rival.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Shine organization,” stated Rolles. “I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to come my way, and I am confident that this is going to be a great partnership. I’m looking forward to doing big things with Shine.”
No date has been finalized for Gracie’s Shine Fights debut, but an announcement is expected shortly.
To learn more about Shine Fight Promotions, follow the organization on Twitter @ShineFightsMMA