- published: 17 Dec 2009
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Renzo Gracie (English pronunciation: /ˈhɛnzoʊ ˈɡræsiː/; born March 11, 1967) is a Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and a retired mixed martial arts fighter. He is member of the Gracie family of Brazil. He is the son of Robson Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie, nephew of Carlos Gracie, Jr. and grandnephew of Helio Gracie.
A world famous Jiu-Jitsu coach, Gracie has helped train a number of professional fighters such as: Matt Serra, Ricardo Almeida, Georges St. Pierre, Frank Edgar, Rolles Gracie, Chris Weidman, Kyra Gracie and Roy Nelson. His brothers Ralph Gracie and the late Ryan Gracie were also famous fighters.
Gracie has competed both in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts events such as the PRIDE Fighting Championships, the International Fight League, RINGS, Martial Arts Reality Superfighting (MARS) and the World Combat Championship.
On February 10, 2007 Gracie won a match against former UFC light heavyweight champion Frank Shamrock for upstart MMA promotion EliteXC on its debut night Saturday February 10, 2007, on Showtime. Gracie was able to take Frank down fairly easily after being overmatched on his feet and was still able to dominate on the ground for most of the match before Shamrock was disqualified by referee Herb Dean due to landing numerous illegal knee strikes to the back of Gracie's head while both fighters were on the ground. Shamrock had already been given one warning earlier in the match for illegal strikes to the back of Gracie's head. After the match, Gracie had to be helped out of the ring and back to his dressing room by his team allegedly due to receiving a concussion from the strikes.
Renzo formerly coached a team, the New York Pitbulls, for the International Fight League.