Despite never facing the best of his contemporaries, he had achieved his sport’s highest honor. He was the king of combat sports and a living ambassador for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In only six fights spread over two tournaments, Rickson had delivered. One who not only shone in combat, but exemplified the discipline, toughness, and spirit of the Gracie way. To stake their claim as the best fighting style in the world they needed a dominant champion in every major market. To spread their message of leverage over brawn and technique over athleticism, the Gracie family had taken their barnstorming tradition to global levels. It was the culmination of hard work and strategic planning. They appreciated the technical skill they had just witnessed, but they roared for the honour and samurai spirit of their champion. As their local hero lay on the canvas, the crowd rose to show their approval.

At 6:22 of the first round, the Japanese fighter succumbed to a rear-naked choke, falling prey to nearly flawless grappling execution. Instead, Rickson Gracie fought for more than six minutes without throwing a single strike to the injured side of Nakai’s face. If the bigger man attacked the injury with strikes to the head, an easy victory was sure to follow. Before the bout, Rickson had acknowledged the courage his opponent displayed, calling him “brave,” and saying Nakai “had the heart of a lion.” Still, it seemed a sure path to the title had presented itself.

Despite being nearly blind, the local favourite had won his two preliminary fights and had earned the privilege of facing the defending champion in the finals. Yuki Nakai, the smallest man in the tournament, had sustained a severe injury to his right eye courtesy of his first opponent, Gerard Gordeau.

Rickson gracie vs yoji anjo