The UFC Hall of Fame is having an increasingly bigger presence with rival Bellator MMA.
Officials today announced that UFC 1 tournament winner and 2003 UFC Hall of Fame inducteeRoyce Gracie has joined Bellator as a nation brand ambassador. His new role comes after the organization’s recent signings of fellow hall members Stephan Bonnar and Tito Ortiz.
In addition to help promoting Bellator events, “Gracie will host seminars, be involved in autograph and promotional appearances, as well as aiding in the international expansion of Bellator around the world,” according to today’s announcement.
In a statement, Gracie, 47, said new Bellator President Scott Coker played a pivotal role in getting him aboard. Additionally, he suggested there’s no ill will toward the UFC.
“I have known Scott for a long time and have always respected him as not only a promoter but as a martial artist who has always treated fighters with respect and truly understands their value,” Gracie stated. “Bellator and Viacom want to give fans exciting fights and enable fighters to continue to grow and most importantly provide for their family, and it’s something I want to be a part of.
“UFC has done a great job over the past 29 years in building this sport and taking it globally, and I’m glad to have been part of that. But Bellator is a growing organization I am honored to be a part of, and with the dedicated and talented people already associated with the company, we can further the growth of mixed marital arts as a sport worldwide.”
Gracie (14-2-3), one of MMA’s earliest stars, fought in the UFC’s first five events before taking his talents to Japan. He then returned to the UFC in 2006 for a single bout, a non-title loss to then-champ Matt Hughes (and subsequently failed a drug test due to an anabolic steroid). He fought one more time, at Dynamite!! USA in mid-2007, and defeated Kazushi Sakuraba before retiring from the sport.
In recent years, Gracie has done occasional broadcasting and TV/film work, and he’s been involved with a handful of UFC fan events.
Coker said he’s happy to have the MMA legend aboard.
“To call Royce a legend would be an absolute understatement,” he stated. “Royce and the Gracie family are directly responsible for making this sport what it is today, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him be a part of the Bellator family. Royce will serve in many different capacities for Bellator, and I look forward to our fighters, staff and most importantly, our fans, in having the chance to interact with one of the most iconic figures in sports.”
According to the announcement, Gracie will be involved in the promotion of the company’s next major event, Bellator 131, on Nov. 15. Coincidentally, the event goes head-to-head with UFC 180, a pivotal show that marks the UFC’s Mexico debut, and WSOF 16.
For more on Bellator 131, check out MMA Rumors section of the site.
