Royce Gracie is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) pioneer and a legendary figure in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. Born into the famous Gracie family in 1966, Royce was instrumental in popularizing BJJ globally through his participation in the early days of the UFC, where he showcased his grappling techniques against larger, often stronger opponents.
His groundbreaking success in UFC 1, 2, and 4, where he won multiple tournaments, helped shape the sport of MMA and highlighted the effectiveness of BJJ.
Royce Gracie currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Revenue and Net Worth:
Royce Gracie’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. His earnings come from various sources, including fight purses, seminars, BJJ schools, and sponsorships.
Gracie’s influence goes beyond his own achievements, as he opened doors for BJJ in martial arts globally and contributed to MMA’s foundation as a competitive sport.
Last Fight
Royce Gracie’s last fight took place on February 19, 2016, when he faced Ken Shamrock in Bellator 149. This fight was a highly anticipated rematch, as they had a well-known rivalry stemming from their original encounters in the UFC during the 1990s.
In this fight, Gracie won by TKO in the first round, after delivering a knee to Shamrock’s groin, which Shamrock protested as illegal. Despite the controversy, the referee allowed the fight to continue, and Gracie emerged victorious, marking his final professional bout in MMA.
Interesting Facts About Royce Gracie
- First UFC Champion: Royce Gracie became the first UFC champion at UFC 1 in 1993, defeating multiple opponents in a single night and showcasing the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) against fighters from other martial arts.
- Longest Fight in MMA History: Gracie participated in one of the longest MMA fights in history against Kazushi Sakuraba in 2000, lasting over 90 minutes. The bout ended when Gracie’s corner threw in the towel. During the 90-minute fight with Sakuraba, Gracie sustained a fractured foot but continued fighting until his corner ended the bout.
- Undefeated Streak in Early UFC: Royce maintained an impressive undefeated streak during the early years of the UFC, winning UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4. His grappling skills were a revelation, with him submitting much larger and stronger opponents.
- UFC Hall of Fame: Gracie was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2003, honoring his role in popularizing MMA and bringing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into the mainstream.
- Controversy at Bellator 149: Royce’s final fight with Ken Shamrock at Bellator 149 in 2016 ended with a controversial TKO. Shamrock claimed that Gracie landed an illegal knee strike, but the referee allowed the fight to continue, leading to Royce’s victory amid debate about the fight’s officiating.
- Legacy of the Gracie Family: Royce is a member of the legendary Gracie family, known for creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His father, Hélio Gracie, and uncle, Carlos Gracie, were the founding figures of this martial art. The Gracie family has influenced generations of fighters and continues to be a powerhouse in BJJ and MMA.
- Innovative Fighting Style: Unlike many fighters, Gracie wore a gi during fights, which is typically used in traditional martial arts but uncommon in early MMA events. This allowed him to use his gi strategically for submissions and chokes, making his style unique.
- Historic Rivalry with Ken Shamrock: Royce and Ken Shamrock had one of MMA’s first major rivalries, with their first match ending in a submission victory for Gracie. They fought two more times, with their third fight at Bellator 149 ending in Royce’s victory amidst some controversy.