Royler, 45 , in Manaus / Photos by Arthur Castro
All’s set for Amazon Forest Combat, a new MMA promotion about to hold its maiden event this August 14 at the Manaus, Amazonas state’s Amadeu Teixeira arena. Top among the fights on a stellar card is Royler Gracie’s farewell MMA fight against Shooto champion Masakatsu Ueda, hometown Jiu-Jitsu world champion Braga Neto against one-time UFC fighter Maiquel Falcão, and two-time UFC fighter from the nearby village of Manacapuru Ronys Torres taking on also-UFC veteran Drew Ficket.
The arena
Among those lending their prestige to the event, Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, José Aldo and Royce Gracie will all attend the event, and UFC referee Mario Yamasaki will control the action in the cage. The promoters are expecting a packed house, with 12,000 spectators filling the stands.
Today, the 13th, marks the official weigh-ins, to be attended by ticket holders.
After some evening training sessions with former UFC fighter Fabricio Morango to get used to the equatorial climate, the four-time world champion of the Gracie family revealed his strategy.
“I don’t have one, to tell you the truth. I don’t go in with a pre-established strategy, I just dance according to the music. I ready for whatever comes, and I have faith in our family’s Jiu-Jitsu,” said the 45-year-old Jiu-Jitsu teacher, always with a smile on his face.
Final preparations for weigh-ins in the gymnasium
“I’d like to invite all Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in Manaus to come and root for me. I ask that they don’t look at it as a fight between Royler and another fighter but between Brazil and Japan. The local fans, as well as those from across the nation, will be key in my victory,” said the Gracie.
Royler showing he's a fan of the local fish
Amazon Forest Combat
September 14, 2011
Arena Amadeu Teixeira, Manaus, Brazil
Royler Gracie vs Masakatsu Ueda
Josh Burkam vs Roan Jucão
Paulão Filho vs Satoshi Ishii
Antonio Braga Neto vs Maiquel Falcão
Alexandre Capitão vs Shanon Slack
Jordan Smith vs Karo Parisyan
Ronnys Torres vs Drew Ficket
Dileno Lopes vs Danny Martinez
George Clay vs Anthony Birchack
Sergio Junior vs Daniel Acácio
Rivaldo Jr vs André Leocádio