The most badass 50 year old turns just that today, and he goes by the name Royce!
This legend set himself apart from any other athlete on the planet one fateful night in 1993... the night the UFC began.
This is the originator of originators. The barbarism of mixed martial arts was one another level in the early 90s, and for Royce to step into an 'open weight' tournament with life size heavyweights on the mat, he showed his intelligence, instinct, and ability to straight up fight was all there!
The dismantling of multiple opponents in one night at UFC 1 set him, and the Gracie clan apart from every other combat sport, and every sport combatant on the planet.
He is the godfather of jiu-jitsu just as Helio is the Don Dada... yadadimean
Gracie jiu-jitsu is a very traditional martial art with an emphasis on guidance and growth, but post UFC 1, the Gracie lineage is respected as so much more.
Royce set this sport apart and for that I am forever grateful.
The modern day rematch with Ken Shamrock was almost fraudulent and embarrassing, but Royce deserved a proper send off as he is a pioneer..
..and at one point he truly was the baddest man on the planet at around 150 pounds.
Happy Birthday to Royce... you absolute legend!
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