• UFC Rio

Gracie not heading to Rio despite speculation

ESPN staff
April 20, 2011
Royce Gracie attempted to create public pressure on the UFC to force his participation on the UFC Rio card © Getty Images
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For all the latest UFC talking points, including speculation over who Royce Gracie could have fought in Rio, don't miss the ESPN UFC Podcast

Following months of speculation and comment from Royce Gracie, it is now expected that he will not fight at UFC Rio.

The legendary jiu-jitsu specialist, who won the first ever UFC tournament, had been linked with an emotional return to the Octagon in front of his home crowd on August 27.

Gracie even fuelled the speculation himself, telling UOL Esportes: "I never fought in Rio de Janeiro and I couldn't be more psyched. We are negotiating, but we should have it finalised in two weeks. We only had an initial contact and I don't even have an opponent yet, but we should have that finalised soon."

However, reports emerged on Tuesday night that Gracie would not get his wish, and now ESPN sources close to the fighter's camp have confirmed the situation.

The idea of Gracie's return is not completely off the table, but a source told ESPN they would be "extremely surprised" if the welterweight appeared on the Rio card.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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