Issue 210
October 2024
An arm raised in victory that marked the beginning of a revolution and the birth of a legend. In a single historic night at UFC 1, Royce Gracie faced three men in a single-elimination tournament to prove that technique could topple brute strength. With no weight classes, no gloves, and barely any rules, he faced fighters from wildly different disciplines—a boxer, a wrestler, and a Savate champion. It wasn’t a typical night of fights but a proving ground for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
As the slender Brazilian walked into the Octagon wearing his traditional white gi, few expected what would follow. He submitted Art Jimmerson with a swift choke, dispatched Ken Shamrock in under a minute, and wrapped things up by forcing Gerard Gordeau to tap in the final. Each fight was a masterclass in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showing the world how a smaller fighter could dismantle much larger opponents with finesse.
For Gracie, it was all part of the family legacy. His victory wasn’t just about winning a title; it was about proving the superiority of his family’s martial art on a global stage. The moment his hand was raised, the trajectory of combat sports changed forever. UFC 1 wasn’t just the birth of an event; it was the genesis of a movement. Nearly 31 years later, Gracie's legacy endures, reminding fans that MMA isn’t just about who’s the strongest—it’s about who has the skill to overcome the odds.
Date: November 12, 1993
Location: McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
