Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 1
Rickson Gracie
Rickson Gracie submitted all 11 of his opponents. | Photo:
Marcelo Alonso/Sherdog.com
CASE FOR: In a family full of myth and legend, no Gracie inspires more intrigue than the great Rickson. A physical force with top-of-the-line technique, there is no small number of individuals who believe he could have dominated MMA. As it was, he went 9-0 in modern MMA, winning two Vale Tudo Japan tournaments and twice defeating Nobuhiko Takada in Pride Fighting Championships. The fights with Takada built Pride and built up the later rivalry between the Gracies and Takada’s protégé, Kazushi Sakuraba. CASE AGAINST: Even at an advanced age, Gracie was clearly still a force. He could have fought against tougher competition and elected not to, so there is a strong argument to be made that he should not be rewarded for what he was thought to be rather than what he did. VERDICT: Should he go in? This is Rickson Gracie. Yes, although perhaps he would better fit into a different category for inclusion.
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