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With a name like Gracie and a guy like Renzo, you'd think the 42-year-old would have had at least one UFC fight under his belt. Not the case.
On April 10, 2010 Renzo Gracie will make his UFC debut against future Hall-of-Famer Matt Hughes in Abu Dhabi at UFC 112. Gracie, thrilled to finally be apart of the UFC, discussed his "preventive past" keeping him away from the Octagon.
"It's a great honor to be fighting for the UFC. I remember when Lorenzo [Fertitta] came to New York and he actually bought the UFC. He came to train with me a little bit and he invited me over. Unfortunately, back then I could not join the UFC. I knew before I retired I would. I'm turning 43-years-old, but I don't have one gray hair (points to his head).
He may be 43-years-old, but what Gracie may have lost in physical skill, he will believes he will make up in experience and fighting in his own back yard.
"Knowledge counts a lot in this sport," said Gracie. "I'm very proud I'm going to be part of this unbelievable card. Especially in Abu Dhabi, which is basically my second home. Last year alone, I was here 11 times and I feel home with the weather, with the people, with the habits, with the food, and I know Matt Hughes will be up for surprise. I'm glad he didn't show up. I can talk as much by myself (laughs)."
When Hughes does show up in Abu Dhabi, he'll face Gracie in the UFC's first ever outdoor event. A prospect which has Gracie very excited.
"I had a chance to fight in Japan outside and I believe it's much better because when you train, you actually train outside," explained Gracie. "You get used to the weather. So when you go in there and to be in a closed environment, especially back then when people used to smoke inside the arenas and things like that. It's really a bother. I watched some match that was completely a mist of smoke. Being outside, it's much more comfortable. It's the natural temperature. If you warm up, you stay warm. Much better environment for fighting."
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