The UFC will make its anticipated return to Brazil this summer for UFC Rio on August 27.
The entire card features some of Brazil’s most prominent fighters, but perhaps the most prominent Brazilian does not appear to be included at the historic event: A member of the Gracie family.
Renzo Gracie spoke to Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour” and he said that a Gracie should be represented at UFC Rio due to all of the contributions and influence the family has brought to mixed martial arts.
“To have a Gracie fight there would be great—great for the fans, to have someone from my family fighting,” Gracie said.
Gracie added that while he can’t be included on the card because of time restraints and scheduling, he does hope the Gracie name is represented in some form, even going as far as to request his cousin, Royce Gracie, to be featured on the card.
And although the Brazilian will not be competing at UFC Rio, he didn’t rule out a return to the Octagon in the future. Gracie last appeared at UFC 112 against former UFC welterweight champion, Matt Hughes. Gracie said that when he does return to the UFC, he expects to compete in the lightweight division.
Gracie said his respect for the organization and for UFC president Dana White is what has kept him in the UFC boss’ good graces.
“I love Dana,” he said.
“I’ve known Dana since before he was the UFC president and I’ve always had a great relationship with him.”
Gracie mentioned that his 16-year-old son has been active in jiu-jitsu competitions and he expects his son to eventually transition into MMA full-time and compete in the UFC in the future.
So although The Brazilian or his son won’t appearing in the UFC anytime soon, Gracie did express his desire to see a Gracie family member to appear at the event in some capacity.
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