The biggest name in submission grappling has finally brought an end to his extended hiatus from the sport. Roger Gracie, a multiple time world champion and two division ADCC champ has decided to don the gi once again against perhaps his most fearsome rival, Rodrigo Comprido Medeiros, at the American National Jiu-Jitsu championships on July 10.
It has been five years since Roger Gracie competed in an IBJJF gi match. In 2010, Roger left the sport to focus more on his burgeoning MMA career, which was most remembered for his memorable stint in Strikeforce. Following a disappointing debut in the UFC against Tim Kennedy, Gracie left the UFC and eventually signed for ONE FC, where he returned to his winning ways in his promotional debut.
Comprido might well be 0-3 against Roger in their last 3 matches but given Roger Gracie’s extended absence from the sport, this matchup is incredibly interesting and should act as a solid test to see where Gracie’s gi game is at presently.
The American National Jiu-Jitsu championships is among the events being held as part of the UFC’s international Fight Week and is set to feature a who’s who from the ever expanding world of North American grappling.