Determining the “best” fighter from the Gracie family is subjective and depends on the criteria used, such as competition success, influence on martial arts, or technical prowess. However, several members stand out for their significant contributions and achievements:
Rickson Gracie: Often regarded as one of the most skilled fighters in the family, Rickson boasts an undefeated professional MMA record of 11-0, with nine victories by submission and two by TKO. His technical mastery and physical conditioning have earned him widespread respect in the martial arts community.
Royce Gracie: Gained international fame by winning the first UFC tournament in 1993, showcasing the effectiveness of Brazilian jiu-jitsu against larger and more physically imposing opponents. His success played a pivotal role in popularizing BJJ worldwide.
Roger Gracie: Considered one of the greatest gi-BJJ competitors, Roger has secured multiple world championships and is known for his dominance in the absolute division of the IBJJF. Notably, during the 2009 Mundials, he submitted all nine of his opponents with a cross-collar choke from the mount.
Each of these fighters has made significant contributions to martial arts, and opinions on who is the “best” may vary based on individual perspectives and the aspects of their careers one values most.