While this has yet to be confirmed by the UFC or Roger Gracie, GracieMag has reported that the former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight has signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championships:
@graciemag
GRACIEMAG Roger Gracie (93kg) signs with #UFC, might train with @SpiderAnderson before his first bout. #JiuJitsu
Feb 10 via Mobile Web Favorite Retweet Reply
If this is true, Roger Gracie would be the most decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter to ever enter the Octagon with 10 IBJJF World Championships and two ADCC gold medals. Many consider Roger Gracie the best living grappler on the planet.
Gracie signed with Strikeforce in 2010 and had three fights with the San Jose based promotion.
Muhammed Lawal - Loss - KO - Round 1 - Strikeforce World Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov
Trevor Prangley - Win - Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 1 - Strikeforce: Diaz vs Cyborg
Kevin Randleman - Win - Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Round 2 - Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery
While the loss to Lawal was a serious set back to Gracie, he has recently stated that has refocused his efforts on MMA. Earlier this week it was reported by Tatame that Gracie is also close to signing with the Blackhouse management group and, as suggested by the GracieMag tweet, training with UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.
Additionally it was reported by Tatame that one thing Gracie's new manager would consider is dropping him to Middleweight. While the Brazilian started his career at Heavyweight, he has a very lean body type and heavy weight cuts are not part BJJ competitions, so it is possible Gracie could make the cut.
"To me, he has all the tools to build up a great MMA career, he just need some work, focused. I’m sure he’ll be a tough one to fight in MMA", compliments the manager, revealing the possibility of Roger dropping to the middleweight division. "He’s considering dropping, but it’s not set in stone yet".
He would be an interesting addition to the UFC Middleweight division. Gracie would very tall for the division at 6'4", he brings elite ground skills and solid takedown game to a division searching for new contenders.
Update by Tim Burke - Multiple sources are now stating that the reports might have been premature and that Gracie will not be going to the UFC after all. Stay tuned for further updates.
UPDATE by Kid Nate: Dana White scotches the rumor at the UG:
From: dfw jr
Posted: 2/11/12, 11:12 PM
Member Since: 1/1/01
Posts: 1165not true