In the world of Mixed Martial Arts, there's no name in the sport that carries as much clout as the Gracies'. As the first cousin of the legendary Royce Gracie and the acclaimed Rickson Gracie, Renzo Gracie (pronounced Henzo) has carved out his own illustrious name as a formidable fighter in Mixed Martial Arts landscape. After following the family tradition of dominating the art of Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Renzo racked up win after win, including a victory over Frank Shamrock in early 2007. Since his fight with Shamrock, Renzo has been making his mark in the newly formed International Fight League where he serves as coach of the New York Pitbulls. UGO recently caught up with Renzo Gracie in Connecticut to get his thoughts on how the dynamics of Mixed Martial Arts have changed with the IFL's new team format, how it will affect the sport's future, and when he'll be stepping back into the ring.
How has your experience been with the IFL?
It has been an unbelievable experience. The main thing that I like the most is the fact that they treat all of the beginners, all of the young guys coming to the business, as superstars. They give them the same treatment that I had fighting in Pride and Reality Super Fighting, so they're treated like superstars. It's amazing. It's safe and clean, and it's a good spirit environment. It's the perfect environment to bring in unbelievable fighters for the future. I see a lot of stars coming out of here, and I'm having a blast.
You started out following your family's legacy in Brazilian Ju Jitsu. In your view, how has the sport changed since you first started as a fighter?
Even though the sport has been around for a while, and I've been involved the whole time, I knew that the moment they hit it big in the United States it would be unstoppable. I knew it would be all over the world and that's exactly what is happening now. We've made a huge move and the sky is the limit. We won't be walking forward; we're going to be leaping forward. It's an unbelievably entertaining event that should be watched. It should be among the top sports out there.
Do you enjoy coaching as much as competing inside the ring?
It's hard to say. I have two passions in life: one is fighting and the other one is teaching, so this is the perfect job. I teach a lot of good guys and I have a chance to train with them and keep myself in shape. I also have a chance to jump in the ring and solve some problems myself, which is always an unbelievable experience. It's what keeps you young.
You fought Frank Shamrock only a couple of months ago back in February. Do you have any other fights lined up?
Actually, I'm receiving a lot of proposals right now to fight real soon, and I'm definitely looking at them. I'll be in the ring really soon, because that's what I like the most. It's like a party boy, you know. When you invite him, he has to show up. That's me, and I'm ready for the party. If you invite me over, I'll be there for sure.
Are any other Gracie family members helping you to train the fighters on The Pitbulls?
I have a good group here in New York. I have Rolls Gracie, Helio Gracie, Grego Gracie, Daniel Gracie, and they're all training with me here in the city. I have an unbelievable array of people who have actually moved from Brazil. I have Luca Atalla, who is the editor of the Gracie magazine, and he's one of my black belts. He's moving to New York to train and be with us and the Gracie magazine will be actually run from New York. I've been able to set up a very nice structure and I know we will be growing with them and the sport. I also see my system and my schools growing together with the sport.
If you could pick just one event over the course of your career, what would your greatest achievement be in the world of Mixed Martial Arts?
I think it would be my fight against Kazushi Sakuraba. Even though I lost that fight, I was taken to a place where all fighters go sooner or later. I was at the point where I had the option of giving up or letting my arm be broken, and I hung in there without giving up. It was mind over matter. My mind was stronger than my body and I was very happy even though I lost the fight. As I went home licking my wounds, I realized that was one of the best moments of my life.
You've been in a several documentaries, including Countdown to Destiny earlier this year. What other projects do you have on the go? Do you have any plans to jump into the acting world?
Actually, I've been invited a lot. I did a movie recently called Master Cage Fighting and I have been asked to do another movie. It's a different world and I don't think it's for me. I could go and ask to be in a movie and play a little bit, but I don't suggest that as a career for myself. Who would run the Brazilian Ju Jitsu and do what I do?
Source: www.ugo.com
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