Held last March 2nd, ADXC 3 was born with the status of a historic event. Being the first edition of the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship outside the capital of the UAE, the tournament featured a breathtaking card, and one of these duels became even more memorable after its completion: the fight between Rayron Gracie vs Fellipe Andrew.

Not since Roger Gracie vs. Marcus Buchecha in 2017 has there been so much commotion over the entry of a Gracie into a fight. Leaving the mats to enter the cage in his gi, just as Royce Gracie did before when he debuted in the UFC, the underdog Rayron Gracie faced two-time ADWPJJC champion Fellipe Andrew with the responsibility of representing more than 100 years of tradition in Jiu-Jitsu. Marcus Buchecha, six-time ADWPJJC champion, was stopped by Roger’s collar choke. Fellipe, also ADWPJJC champion and also a black belt under Rodrigo Cavaca, just as Buchecha, was also stopped with a choke using the collar, applied by Rayron.

Son of the legendary Ryan Gracie, whose greatest characteristic was his ferocity in fights, Rayron showed a colder and more calculating style, closer to his cousins Roger and Kyra, more distant from his uncles Renzo and Ralph. This distance, however, was just in style. In his duel at ADXC 3, Rayron had the support of the Gracie family, with Renzo, Ralph, Kyra, and Gregor shouting for him on the edge of the cage. Renzo even came up with the right details to complete the victory, minutes before the fight.

Inside the cage, Rayron used his pressure to avoid the dangerous attacks of Fellipe Andrew, known for his game of triangles and attacks on the foot. With firm grips on his pants and applying his weight in the right place, Rayron thwarted Fellipe’s attacks throughout three rounds. In the fourth round, Rayron opened the fight with a takedown, landing with side control and attacking the collar. Renzo shouted from the corner: “Clock choke!”, and Rayron went all out with the classic choke to secure the victory.

“Fellipe is a very well-conditioned athlete”, highlighted Rayron in an interview. “I knew I would only be able to apply my game in the final rounds. Renzo explained the details of this position to me minutes before the fight, but I thought it would be difficult to get this right against Fellipe. Renzo has this gift. He showed a position to Neiman before the ADXC 1, and now it was my turn.”

With the victory over the favorite Fellipe, after a fight full of strategy, the ADXC team spoke to Kyra Gracie, who graduated Rayron with a black belt. The legendary competitor congratulated her pupil and left a message for Rayron’s next challengers.

“It was a very important fight for his career, as he debuted as a black belt this year, in 2024”, highlighted Kyra. “Fellipe Andrew is very tough, but it’s great that Rayron is testing himself against the best, he didn’t get his black belt to hide afterward. Before the fight, they said Rayron was too young for a challenge like that as Fellipe is already a great champion. Fellipe said he would submit Rayron in the first round. Never underestimate a Gracie.”

To review Rayron Gracie’s submission and the other fights that became instant classics in world grappling, visit TX7.ae and check out the ADXC 3 replay.

BJJ is a martial art rich in details, and a simple change in grip and body position can make all the difference in your game. That’s what Renzo Gracie taught in a 2017 seminar in Florianópolis, Brazil. He showed a simple detail to a grip that impressed even Demian Maia, who was helping him demonstrate it. Renzo simply trades the traditional kata-gatame grip for a simpler, more functional one. It was immediately named the kataga-renzo. Check it out, and if you want to learn more from Renzo, don’t forget to check out Renzo Gracie Online Academy. Over 500 instructional videos here.

Gracie Family train during early days of UFC / Photo by Susumu Nagao

An MMA photographer since way back in the day when Tank Abbott was a worthy competitor, master of the lens Susumu Nagao was one of the stars to shine at the maiden installment of the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, held last May 12.

Susumo flew over from Japan especially for the event and presented his exhibit to one of his biggest fans, also-photographer Esther Lin. The Japanese master reminded us that he started liking MMA in the days preceding the UFC, thanks to Shooto, and ever since, he has kept on top of the developments in the sport’s history.

Refresh your memory through classic photos of the likes of Royce Gracie, Renzo, Rodrigo Minotauro, Helio Gracie and other legends, many of which have featured in GRACIEMAG over the years.

Trem da família Gracie nos primórdios do UFC. Foto: Susumu Nagao

Fotógrafo de MMA desde os tempos em que Tank Abbott era um competidor de respeito, o mestre das lentes Susumu Nagao foi uma das estrelas da World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, evento pioneiro realizado em 12 de maio.

Susumu veio do Japão especialmente para o evento, e apresentou sua exposição para uma de suas maiores fãs, a também fotógrafa respeitada Esther Lin. O mestre japonês lembra que começou a gostar de MMA antes do UFC, graças ao Shooto, e a partir dali procurou acompanhar a história dos esporte.

Reveja suas clássicas fotos com personagens como Royce Gracie, Renzo, Rodrigo Minotauro, Helio Gracie e outras lendas, muitas das quais publicadas em GRACIEMAG ao longo dos anos.

Observed by 50 other black belts, cousin Rickson and a number of people occupying the spacious new headquarters of Gracie Barra America in Irvine, California, Renzo Gracie carries the red-and-black belt of his master, Carlos Gracie Junior.

Everyone awaited the punch line in the speech, and, surprisingly, the cheerful myth of fighting started gushing copious tears. “Don’t laugh,” he says as he collects himself, before drying the tears and embracing Carlinhos, fastening the new belt around the professor’s waist.

The promotion ceremony held the evening of June 3, 2008 was opened by faithful student Marcio Feitosa, who emotionally handed his command over to black belt and economist Flavio Cachorrinho, who introduced the guest speakers, starting with Rickson Gracie.

Over 600 competed last weekend in Bayonne, NJ.

Photos: Luca Atalla