Props: Sherdog.com
Quoteworthy:
"Of course there’s a lot of weight behind the (Gracie) name. Many fighters carried the name around for many years. In the same way it gives me a lot of pressure, it pushes me forward a lot. I feel like I have to train that much harder and perform that much better because I have the name. It’s as almost as if it gives you extra strength. My boxing isn’t on a high level. I have decent hands, but my jiu-jitsu is what I’m going to use. My other skills will never be on par with my grappling, so I have to do what I have to do. I believe I’m prepared for whatever happens. I think it makes it harder to win because everyone is going to try their best to get away from the ground (against me). Again, I think that it’s my strength. If I can use it, I’ll be fine, but of course, it’s going to be hard. I’m excited for the fight. Kevin is going to be my toughest opponent yet."
Celebrated ADCC and CBJJ jiu-jitsu champion Roger Gracie puts his family's name on the line when he tangles with mixed martial arts veteran Kevin Randleman at Strikeforce: "Heavy Artillery" from the Scottstrade Center in St. Lois, Missouri, this Saturday night (May 15) on Showtime. Despite showing much promise, Gracie has only competed once since his victorious 2006 debut -- a submission win over fading Japanese star Yuki Kondo at Sengoku 2 in May of 2008. Will his grappling skill be enough to overcome the ice-cold but always dangerous "Monster" -- who's dropped a staggering 9 of his last 12?