Everyone knows the impact which the Gracie family has had on mixed martial arts (MMA), but it's been a while since anyone bearing that surname won a belt. That could all change on Friday night (local time) because Roger Gracie is challenging for the inaugural ONE Championship light heavyweight belt.
The sport of MMA has evolved rapidly and the Gracies are finding that BJJ alone isn't enough to be competitive at an elite level inside the cage. There's a perception that the family has been left behind and Roger will have a point to prove when facing Michael Pasternak at ONE: "Global Rivals",
"I think when I become an MMA world champion it will be a big step for my family.