Friday, January 29, 2016

MMA Classic Photo #14: "Mortal Gracie"


It was May 27, 2006 when legend Royce Gracie returned to the UFC for the 1st time since helping build the company some eleven years prior. It would be a doomed homecoming as Royce was TKO'd in brutal fashion by Matt Hughes in the initial round. Gracie survived a presumably painful armbar but his Brazilian spirit would not allow him to tap and thus, Hughes was forced to pound Royce into oblivion. Mercifully, referee John McCarthy halted the onslaught and this picture was snapped showing a tender moment for MMA fans who saw the passage of time render the winner of UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4 mortal. 

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