Rolles Gracie inks deal with Shine Fights
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) heavyweight ace Rolles Gracie has signed a deal with Shine Fights, announced late Wednesday 17 November. It follows another recent high-profile prospect signing by Shine, who earlier
inked Efrain Escudero.
"Rolles Gracie is one of the best grapplers in the world. He is consistently working on developing his game, and he is ready to show his true capabilities in ring,” Shine Fights CEO Jason Chambers said via
press release.
As a member of the Gracie family, who pioneered the art of BJJ that became synonymous with mixed martial arts, it’s unsurprising Gracie possesses an impressive grappling background, including a silver medal
at the 2007 Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships. He has only fought MMA occasionally since turning pro in 2007, but turned heads with his performances, with three first-round submission victories in three fights.
That hype was enough to bring him to the Ultimate Fighting Championships against Joey Beltran, whom he was widely favoured to beat. Instead, after some early success, he ran out of gas badly and was pounded
out by Beltran in the second round. The embarrassing performance led to Gracie being
immediately cut from the UFC.
Chambers seemed to suggest Gracie had turned a corner with his conditioning.
"If there is one thing history has taught us, it is that an in shape, ready-to-go Gracie, is a very dangerous thing."
With third-degree black belts in both BJJ and Judo, as well as his large 6ft 4in frame, if Gracie can get his conditioning in order and improve his striking, he could be a formidable force.
In the release, Gracie suggested he was going to redeem himself.
"I am very excited to be a part of the Shine organization. I've been waiting for the right opportunity to come my way, and I am confident that this is going to be a great partnership. I'm looking forward
to doing big things with Shine."
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