"It all started here in Brazil. A lot of other people like to take credit for it, but it all started here in Brazil. None of this would be happening if it wasn't for the Gracie family They brought it to the United States. They started calling out all these different martial artists, which eventually led to the first UFC happening in 1993. After that happened, martial arts has evolved more in the last 20 years than it has in the last 10,000 years. It definitely has a lot to do with Helio Gracie."
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White tips his hat to Helio Gracie while on a UFC 168 media press tour in Brazil (video), acknowledging the contributions the Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend gave to the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), which has evolved considerably since UFC 1 back in 1993 and will probably continue to do so for years to come. One thing is for certain, and that is the art of submission fighting, documented in this "Gracie vs. Kimura" short film, is here to stay. Gracie died at the age of 95 back in 2009 and would have turned 100 on Tuesday (Oct.1). See more on his life and legendary fights by clicking here.
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