This documentary goes behind the scenes in the fight between Roger and Buchecha, and analyzes the preparation, the techniques and the strategies of these two giants for their momentous clash.

You may have seen online the fight between Roger Gracie and Marcus Buchecha — 23 IBJJF world titles between them, and counting — held at Gracie Pro’s July 23, 2017 event. While these are very different times, one would be hard-pressed to find a match better suited to be called the Helio vs. Kimura of the modern age of BJJ. It is at the very least a momentous duel between the two greatest BJJ world champions — a clash of generations where the old-timer (sorry, Roger) returned for one final go-around and defeated the reigning king of the sport. 

It’s time to go beyond the mere record of the match and learn many lessons from the documentary Roger Gracie: Legacy. Produced by Gallerr, this short film reveals never-before-seen moments of the athletes’ preparation, as well as episodes of tension going on backstage. You will see the work of concentration alongside the coaches in the locker room, the refining of strategies and the words of incentive.

Narrated in first person by Roger Gracie, this documentary helps you understand what goes on inside the mind of an elite competitor before, during and after a big BJJ challenge. In addition, Roger analyzes his emotional state on that July afternoon and confesses he felt nervous, despite not letting it show.

Also valuable is the audio capturing the voice of Renzo Gracie, who was in Roger’s corner throughout the match. And you won’t want to miss Roger’s considerations upon watching the crucial parts of the fight, like the first five minutes, when he frustrated Buchecha with efficient blocks to the younger fighter’s takedown attempts.

If you are not yet a part of RGOA, then click here and revolutionize your BJJ. Renzo and his team have assembled a weekly program of lessons to complement your training, your routine and your lifestyle. RGOA works as the ideal partner to help you in your journey through the gentle art.

Roger Gracie and Marcus Buchecha. Carlos Arthur Jr.

Last Sunday made it to the BJJ history books. Gracie Pro, held in Rio, was the stage for the second clash between Roger Gracie and Marcus Buchecha. The two ten-time world champions had previously fought in 2012 — an encounter that ended in a tie.

Sunday’s fight began with Buchecha setting the pace, with single-leg takedown attempts. But Roger kept his cool. After standing up, Roger seized the initiative and brought the fight back to the ground.

Instead of pulling into his feared closed guard, Roger pulled Buchecha sideways. With a knee in the middle and a firm grip on Buchecha’s left sleeve, Roger got up and skillfully reached the Checkmat star’s back. The audience was roaring as Roger adjusted the choke, and then the tapout occurred 6’52” in. Roger Gracie was saying farewell to the mats with the last win his career had been missing.

“I frustrated him a bit as I defended against the takedowns at the start of the fight,” Roger told Graciemag. “He ramped up the pace at the start, but he could not reach his strong position. My strategy was to cook a little in the first five minutes. He expected me to pull into closed guard, but I pulled sideways with the knee — a strong position of mine. I landed right on his back. He came to the side of my good hand, and I knew I wasn’t leaving that position anymore — all that was left was to adjust.”

A disappointed Buchecha said: “My mistake was letting him dictate the pace of the fight. He managed to do a good grip on my left arm and messed me up a lot. When he got up, I erred. The strategy was to not turn so much on the ground, but I ended up turning on reflex, and wound up paying the price.”