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Royce Gracie left himself off his own MMA Mount Rushmore despite being arguably the most influential fighter in the sport's history.
The UFC Hall of Famer revealed his picks during a conversation with Georges St-Pierre on podcast, choosing his father Helio Gracie as his first selection, according to MMA Fighting. Royce credited his father with developing the defensive style and leverage techniques that defined Brazilian jiu-jitsu and challenged opponents through exhibition matches that became the blueprint for early UFC events. "I definitely have to put my father in there," Gracie said. "He's the one that developed the whole MMA, and challenged everybody, went for it."
Gracie picks three modern champions over early UFC pioneers
Gracie bypassed all early UFC champions for his remaining three spots. He told St-Pierre directly that the Canadian would be on the list, then added Anderson Silva and Jon Jones to complete the foursome. Gracie's own resume includes three tournament wins from the first four UFC events and 20 professional fights across UFC, Pride, and other promotions before his 2016 retirement.
The original UFC champion named Charles Oliveira as his favorite active fighter, praising the Brazilian's attitude and fighting style. Gracie competed in an era when the UFC served largely as a showcase for Gracie jiu-jitsu, with his slight frame defeating larger opponents through grappling mastery that shocked mainstream audiences.
Gracie was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class and has remained out of competition for a decade.
Reported via:
- MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Royce Gracie gives his MMA Mount Rushmore
