UFC
Royce Gracie expects to make return to MMA at UFC Rio in August
Apr 13, 2011 - 9:45:54 AM Royce Gracie expects to make return to MMA at UFC Rio in August

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC Hall of Famer and MMA legend Royce Gracie is looking to return for one last fight in the organization at UFC Rio in August, and it appears that it's coming closer to a reality.

In an interview with UOL Esporte (translated by Tom Mendes at BloodyElbow.com), the 44-year-old Gracie revealed he's in talks with the UFC and expects to have an opponent lined up for the UFC's second event in Brazil in the next couple of weeks.

"It would be the perfect place to do my last fight. I never fought in Rio de Janeiro and I couldn't be more psyched," he said. "We are negotiating [the fight deal], but we should have it finalized in two weeks. We only had an initial contact and I don't even have an opponent yet, but we should have that finalized soon."

"My weight is the same as it was twenty years ago [80kg], I am still training, keeping the blade sharp. I follow a very strict diet. I never drank, never party, Carnaval, none of that... I'm ready to fight."

The very first UFC tournament winner, Gracie was synonymous with the UFC in the early years of the organization, before the sport of mixed martial arts became the sport it is today. However, the last time he was in the Octagon, he was badly beaten by Matt Hughes at UFC 60, and he hasn't fought since 2007. A return to action has been discussed since the UFC announced their return to Brazil, but now it could be more than just talk when the UFC comes to Rio de Janeiro on August 27.

Penick's Analysis: I don't know who the UFC could possibly put him in against that in 2011 wouldn't just run through him, and for a lot of fans they're not going to want to see a repeat of his fight with Matt Hughes. At the same time, he is a legitimate legend for the UFC, and I wouldn't begrudge him an opportunity to have one more fight in his home country in the Octagon that he initially made famous.