Renzo Gracie: MMA Pioneer and International Hero
The name Gracie means something in MMA, as they are considered royalty of the sport. The family that created Brazilian jiu-jitsu and pioneered the sport of MMA will always be held in the highest regard. From Carlos Gracie who created BJJ, to Rorion and Royce who were instrumental in the creation and rise of the UFC, to Rickson, the enigma, who is considered by many to be the most talented Gracie of them all, this family has had an everlasting effect on MMA.
Of all of the warriors in the Gracie clan, another name comes to mind, the man that is regarded as the best fighter in the entire family, Renzo. Renzo Gracie has had a legendary career in MMA, spanning the globe and sharing the ring with such icons as Kasushi Sakuraba, Dan Henderson, BJ Penn and most recently Matt Hughes. It has however been his contributions outside of the ring that have truly had an impression on the sport. Whether it be his well known schools in the tri-state area or the impressive list of fighters and royalty that he trains, Renzo Gracie has served as an ambassador for the sport, spreading the good word of MMA and the teachings of his family. His astounding clientele list includes Matt Serra, Ricardo Almeida, UFC champs Frankie Edgar and GSP, and even the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Renzo trains them all, and he has obviously does one heck of a job as a teacher, as each man has been quite successful in their respective divisions. It has been his reputation as a phenomenal teacher that has helped with the success of his schools, especially in New York, where Renzo has a school in Manhattan. All of his greatest students travel to NYC from all over the world to learn from the master. It has truly had a positive effect in terms of popularity on BJJ and MMA in New York. The more successful his students become, the more people he brings in to his classes every week. Whether it be a professional fighter or a 9 to 5 businessman, Renzo has touched them all.
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Renzo’s influence spans far beyond the tri-state area. Abu Dhabi has become Renzos home away from home, and his teachings of BJJ abroad caught on so quickly and became so popular that it helped lead to the start of the most prestigious grappling tournament in the entire world, the Abu Dhabi Combat Club championships. The greatest grapplers in the world have competed at this event and the man who wins is regarded as the best grappler in the world. The mind boggling list of competitors includes Damien Maia, Roger Gracie, Marcelo Garcia and Jacare, just to name a few. Renzo’s international influence was on full display this past April at UFC 112, the UFC’s first show in Abu Dhabi. Renzo took on another MMA legend in Matt Hughes and although he came up short, Renzo easily drew the biggest crowd reaction of any fighter on the card. It seemed almost as if he was fighting in front of his hometown crowd. And it just so happens that prior to UFC 112, Zuffa sold 10% of its company to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Flash Entertainment, thus opening doors for UFC expansion into the U.A.E. Guess who was an integral part in getting the UFC in contact with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan? You guessed it, Renzo Gracie. Renzo Gracie is a perfect example of what MMA and fighting is all about, he is truly a legend and his influence and knowledge will forever be remembered.
By Anthony Forgione
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer