Royce Gracie made history as the first champion in Denver, Colorado, and continues to be revered in the MMA world as UFC approaches its 300th event (April 13). UFC 1 showcased eight fighters from diverse martial arts backgrounds, with Kevin Rozier and Patrick Smith tragically passing away in 2015 and 2019, respectively. Gracie’s dominance was evident as he submitted his three opponents in under five minutes, solidifying his position as a grappling icon in MMA. At 57 years old, Gracie now primarily travels the globe teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at family-affiliated schools.
His most recent fight was in 2016, when he defeated Ken Shamrock in their third encounter at Bellator 149. Gerard Gordeau, who exhibited notable dirty fighting tactics, went on to pursue a career in pro wrestling and now operates his own gym in The Hague. Despite Tuli’s unsuccessful stint in the Octagon, he has found success as an actor under the name Taylor Wily after retirement. On the other hand, Shamrock’s defeat to Gracie ignited a long and brutal career, leading him to victories against renowned fighters and titles in various promotions.
He also made an impact in professional wrestling, holding titles in WWF. Reflecting on the least suitable martial art for MMA, sumo, it is evident that Tuli and Gordeau have pursued different paths after their time in the Octagon. Tuli, now a 57-year-old former Karate and kickboxing champion, currently coaches boxing in Phoenix, Arizona. The significant impact of the early UFC events extends to these fighters’ lives and careers even decades later, showcasing the enduring legacy of these pioneers in the sport.
