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26/09/09 - Rolles Gracie wins at Art of War
Rolles Gracie notched up the third win of his fledgling MMA career at Art of War in China today, taking him to 3-0. The Brazilian super-heavyweight was cornered by Greg Jackson for the fight. He is now a part of Team Jackson, the New Mexico camp that is home to the likes of Rashad Evans and Georges St. Pierre.
Gracie fought Peter Graham, an Australia kick boxer with a strong K-1 pedigree, perhaps best known for breaking Badr Hari’s jaw in three places two years ago. But Graham was not able to stop an early takedown and had nothing for Gracie on the ground, leading to an early arm triangle win for the big Brazilian from the famous fighting family.
“Rolles fought really well. I think he is making a great transition into mixed martial arts and I look forward to working more with him,” Jackson commented afterwards.
Rolles is training with Jackson under an agreement with Renzo Gracie Academy, where Rolles spends much of his time. Rolles says the two camps “have basically an exchange program”.
“I really like working with Greg. He is an awesome teacher and he has some great guys at his camp, I am learning a lot from him,” Rolles told Fighters Only. “We have worked together for a couple of fights and it has gone great, we will work together more.”
Art of War president Konrad Pi says Rolles could well be the fledgling organisation’s first heavyweight champion. The promotion does not have titles at present as it “does not want to take too many steps too quick”.
Pi said Rolles would be invited back for Art of War 15 or 16, which take place at the end of this year, and would again probably face a kick boxer in a “style vs. style match”.
John Joe O’Regan
John.fightersonly@gmail.com
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