"My dad started the jiu jitsu movement, not me. I am just a product of his teachings. It feels good though to see ground fighting is a big part of fighting period and I am glad that fighters embrace that today and train Jiu Jitsu. It's an alternative. If you can knock your guy out, great, but what if you can't? No matter how tough the guy is or how strong his chin is, a choke is a choke and everyone taps," stated the legendary Royce Gracie, who took time out of his busy schedule to share his thoughts on UFC Rio, the influence of Jiu Jitsu in mixed martial arts, and much more. Check it out!
PC: First off, thanks for taking the time to come on the site. It's an honor to have you on. How have you been Royce?
RG: Thank you for having me. Life is good. I can't complain. Been traveling a lot. I'm in Oklahoma now, teaching cops; before that was in Brazil for UFC Rio. My schedule is packed, so no complaints.
PC: Seeing you at UFC 134, you appear to be in great shape still. Are you still actively training in the gym?
RG: Man, I don't smoke, never have; don't drink, never have. I train all the time. I run 10 miles a day at least 3 times a week. I'm in good shape.
PC: What did you think of the UFC Rio card and the dominance by the Brazilian based fighters?
RG: It was a good show. The crowd was crazy, the loudest ever. It was good to see Big Nog win, Anderson, all the guys.
PC: How do you view Anderson Silva as a fighter and the way that he has dominated his opponents since coming to the UFC?
RG: He fights with a strategy. He does not just got out there and duke it out. He fights with his head and that proved to be successful.
PC: Would you like to see the UFC venture out to Brazil more often to put on shows, Fan Expos, and those type of things?
RG: Sure! Brazil is a fighting country. My family started fighting there over 75 years ago, so there is a strong base of fans in Brazil.
PC: What was it like for you to be named the "Most important fighter in MMA history"?
RG: Man, it's an honor of course. It felt good to have so many fighters come up to me and say, "Man, because of what you did, I am able to make a living today and feed my family." It felt good. But really, this thing was started by my father. To me, he will always be the most important fighter in the history of MMA.
PC: You still want one more shot at Matt Hughes. Why does that loss bother you so badly Royce?
RG: Because I did not show up for the fight; first time in my life. I overtrained and peaked on the wrong day, so on the day of the fight, I was not there. I just want to show up and then whatever happens happens. I know how to lose. I'm okay with a loss so long as I know I was there and gave it my all and with Matt, I was not there and therefore I didn't give it my all.
PC: You must feel like a proud father when you sit back and watch how heavily influenced Jiu Jitsu has become in mixed martial arts today.
RG: (Laughing) My dad started the jiu jitsu movement, not me. I am just a product of his teachings. It feels good though to see ground fighting is a big part of fighting period and I am glad that fighters embrace that today and train Jiu Jitsu. It's an alternative. If you can knock your guy out, great, but what if you can't? No matter how tough the guy is or how strong his chin is, a choke is a choke and everyone taps (laughing).
PC: What fighters do you enjoy watching today?
RG: Guys that use strategy. Guys that try to impose their game and neutralize their opponent. The list of guys is long; a lot of tough guys out there. The Diaz Brothers, I'm a fan. I like those kids, Anderson, Nog, Gilbert Melendez, Jacare, Cain; just lots of guys out there.
PC: How often are you conducting seminars and do you have one lined up soon that our readers can be on the lookout for?
RG: Man, I travel 6-8 months out of the year. The rest of the time, I'm home with family. The demand is out there for sure. I could travel 365 days a year if I could, but I have 4 kids and a wife; gotta be home sometimes too (laughing).
PC: It was an honor and pleasure conducting this interview with you. Anytime you want to come on, you are more than welcome. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
RG: Thank you very much.
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