Rickson Gracie believes jiu-jitsu has “lost its capacity” in today’s MMA. | Photo: Denis Martins
In this exclusive interview with Sherdog.com, Gracie discussed the impact of UFC 134 on Brazil, his recent participation in the Bintang Black Belt Challenge -- a surfing championship for jiu-jitsu black belts -- and, perhaps most importantly, the state of the ground game in modern-day MMA.
Gracie: I see it as a new race of fighter developing, something
that’s been invented. There are no more style matchups. Now,
everyone knows everything. It’s about the strengths of the
individual. The time of fights was shortened, the weights were
equalized and technology was incorporated into training. There is
no more romanticism in seeing a smaller guy fight a bigger guy for
two hours. Thinking of that, I believe jiu-jitsu has lost the
capacity to be put into practice in today’s MMA, because it’s an
art you have to wait for the right moment with. Now, MMA is a sport
for the better-prepared fighter, the guy who can absorb more
punches and still win. There’s still an admiration for the art by
those who practice it, but there’s a decline in how it’s working in
MMA. My motivation is completely focused on the concept. That’s
where I believe I can make a difference: in making the shy kid feel
normal, in making the weak woman believe she’s strong. I want
people to have a sense of self-defense and a concept of the
invisible power. That’s where jiu-jitsu will achieve its
eternity.
Gracie: There’s always that longing to fight, but I’m motivated by
everything I’ve done so far. Nowadays, I have responsibilities that
motivate me more than trying to live something I’ve already lived.
Today, my focus is on remembering the people of jiu-jitsu and the
philosophy that comes with the practice. It’s not directed at
competition but at self-defense, self-confidence, discipline and
emotional control. The values you learn are priceless.
Gracie: It was very nice -- a Brazilian night. Guys fought really
well. [Antonio Rodrigo] “Minotauro” [Nogueira], Anderson [Silva],
[Mauricio] “Shogun” [Rua] ... everyone had a good role. And to feel
the emotion that you only can feel in Brazil, where you have this
human warmth, was great. I enjoyed taking part in a night like
that.
Gracie: The Brazilians had a great night. They were pushed by the
crowd and were well-prepared. I loved Minotauro. He’s a lion of a
veteran. He was well-prepared physically and mentally, and he shut
a lot of people’s mouths. Anderson showed his skills, which was no
surprise. I expected that. Thiago
Tavares was great, as was [Rousimar] “Toquinho” [Palhares].
Everyone showed the desire to win, and I congratulate them.
Gracie: It was fair recognition. They are developing a great work
with marketing, but everything is our creation. It’s not only about
Brazilian fighters but about the concept and the Brazilian spirit
behind it. They’re not re-inventing the wheel, and we have the
resources needed to make the same kind of show as they have. We
have human material and an interested audience, and now we also
have the media vehicles needed to integrate them. We can have a
Brazilian UFC, which is more important than recognizing the actions
of others.
Gracie: I lost this time, but it was very cool to see the
fellowship and to be with my friends on the ocean. It’s incredible
to be in such a beautiful place like Prainha surfing with friends.
There are no winners or losers there.