Sobre o lance do Ruas pedir tempo pra treinar, se é que isso aconteceu, o próprio ruas na época do Pride disse que não aceitava lutar com menos de 3 meses pra treinar.
This Article originally appeared on BJJ.org. The entire archive of information is now available on OntheMat.com
From FreeFight magazine (Japan)
Translated by Kuti
Fall 1997
This interview took place soon after Rickson's defeat of Takada in Japan on October 11, 1997.
FreeFight
Were you surprised your match with Takada was so short?
Rickson
I am never surprised at a quick match. If my opponent makes a mistake, I will capitalize whether it is one minute or ten minutes.
FreeFight
How did you prepare for your fight with Takada?
Rickson
Sparring with Royler for a month prior to the fight. Royler has the Warrior mentality and is a very good trainer.
FreeFight
What was it like growing up in Brazil?
Rickson
I had a very good childhood. My father never hit us kids, if we got in trouble at school we would not be allowed to go surfing. I use the same philosophy raising my kids.
FreeFight
Will you ever compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship?
Rickson
I don't see it ever happening. The UFC is just small time and doesn't have the quality of fighters or the money that Japan has to offer. I only fight for two reasons, pride and to take care of my family.
FreeFight
So do you mean fighters like Maurice Smith and Mark Kerr aren't on the same levels as the fighters here in Japan?
Rickson
Exactly. When I watch them fight, I see so many openings that even my son could capitalize on. I'm not saying they are bad fighters, just that I see many holes in them.
FreeFight
How would you see a match with Mark Kerr going?
Rickson
Kerr is a big strong guy with a good base. I would imagine him tiring out and giving me an opening.
FreeFight
What was your toughest match ever?
Rickson
I really haven't had a tough match, just matches that last longer than others.
FreeFight
What was your longest match?
Rickson
Definately Equada. He was 6'7" and at least 340 lbs.
FreeFight
How long did that fight go and how did you finish him.
Rickson
It went fifty minutes. I triangled him and he passed out. Very tough guy.
FreeFight
Why is there distance between you and Rorian?
Rickson
That is family business and something I would rather not discuss.
FreeFight
What are your impressions of Vitor Belfort?
Rickson
Good young fighter, with excellent punching ability. I question how he went from purple to black belt though. As far as I know, he never competed in Jiu Jitsu tournaments in Brazil.
FreeFight
Is it true that you were going to take Vitor under your wing?
Rickson
I told him if he comes to train with me, it has to be either me or Carlson.
FreeFight
What happens when you roll with him?
Rickson
It has been two years but he is not a superstar on the ground. With gi he taps quickly. Without it takes a little longer.
FreeFight
Who is the greatest fighter ever?
Rickson
Without a doubt Helio Gracie.
FreeFight
Are you acquainted with the Machado brothers?
Rickson
I see them at tournaments and we have a good time.
FreeFight
Who do you feel is the best Machado?
Rickson
Rigan.
FreeFight
Have yourself and Rigan ever fought in jiu-jitsu?
Rickson
Yes, on two occasions. The first time Rigan was very aggressive and had to quit due to exhaustion. The second time, six years ago in an exhibition match in Rio, I choked him out with two minutes remaining.
FreeFight
Has you ever lost in any grappling competition?
Rickson
Not since I got my blackbelt.
FreeFight
There are rumors that you lost a Sambo match in America.
Rickson
Yes, you did not hear the whole story. The rules were not properly explained to me so I was at a disadvantage. How can you play a game if you aren't told the rules?
FreeFight
Can we expect to see you fight anytime soon?
Rickson
Yes, I am negotiating right now to fight a very big name Japanese fighter in mid 1998.
FreeFight
I would like to thank you for sharing you time with us.
Rickson
My pleasure.
This interview between FreeFight magazine and Rickson Gracie took place after Pride 2, in April 1998.
FF
There are rumors that you are in negotiations at this time to fight Takada once again at the Pride event.
RG
Yes, this is true. Expect to hear an announcement in the near future.
FF
Why fight Takada again and not a top fighter like Koshaka, Sato, or even an American like Kerr?
RG
I feel Takada is a warrior and deserves the chance to try and redeem himself.
FF
Are you even going to fight in a tournament again?
RG
If the money is there, I will fight in a tournament, but I don't see that happening any time soon.
FF
Who do you feel are the best fighters today?
RG
I feel Kerr and Erickson are very strong and that Sato and Sperry have excellent technique. But the biggest challenger would have to be Erickson.
FF
How do you feel about the recent losses of Jiu-jitsu such as Conan and John Lewis.
RG
With Conan, you just have a big guy trying to use power over technique so there is no surprise there. With Lewis, here is a guy who is a blue belt with me and a year after leaving my school becomes a blackbelt? I think the situation explains itself.
FF
Frank Shamrock has been very succesful in the UFC events beating such fighters as Kevin Jackson and Igor Zinoviev. How would you approach a fight with him?
RG
I would approach a fight with Shamrock just as any other fight. I feel that the fighters he fought are tough but nothing special when it comes to technical ability.
FF
So you are saying that a Olympic Gold Medalist like Kevin Jackson has low technique?
RG
Yes, I feel his technique needs alot of work before he can be considered a top fighter. He just seems to say "here is my arm" and that is the end of the fight. That is one of the negatives of wrestlers, that they use mostly power and throw technique out the window.
FF
In our last interview, you claim that you did not know the rules when you fought in a Sambo tournament in the U.S. against Ron Tripp, therefore it should not be considered a loss, but I see on your record that you had competed in other Sambo events prior to this.
RG
You must understand that each tournament was not the same. Not every Sambo tournament has the exact same rules. If I had known that getting thrown on your back was a loss, this would not have happened. If Mr. Tripp would like to fight NHB, I'm sure the promoters could set this up.
FF
What do you say to the people who criticize you and say that you only fight "weak" opponents and are dodging the top fighters like Kerr?
RG
I tell them, if somebody wants to fight me that bad then come to my school.
FF
But you were offered to take Royce's place in the Pride event and declined. Why?
RG
I never take a fight on 1 month notice. If they want me to fight Kerr, then give me three months in advance.
FF
Would you ever fight another Jiu-jitsu figher in NHB?
RG
Of course I would. We were in negotiations to fight Sperry in the next Pride event until Carlson told Sperry, "No".
FF
Would you fight another Gracie in a NHB event?
RG
There are a select few Gracie's that I would fight just to shut their mouths. They have said negative things about my father and I would fight to defend his honor.
FF
Can you tell us which Gracie's?
RG
Carley for one, he tells everybody that he was family champion and how that other Gracie's are scared of him. Why doesn't he tell what happened to him 12 years ago? And Vitor Belfort who Carlson "adopted"? I gave this kid the chance to train with me and he declined. No problem there, but then he shoots his mouth off about how Rickson is getting old and can't punch. Let's just say that Vitor didn't last long on the mat with me before, and he wouldn't last any longer now.
FF
Would you ever fight in the UFC?
RG
No, the UFC pays small dollar compared to Japan.
FF
How do you feel Rigan will do in the upcoming UFC if he fights as expected?
RG
Rigan! Boy, all I can say is look out. Rigan is as good as they get. I don't know who he is fighting or if he will fight, but all I can say to his opponent is "good luck".
FF
Do you have any plans to retire in the near future?
RG
No, it's not something I think about. I feel like I am 25 years old.
FF
What are your opinions of Hugo Duarte?
RG
I feel he is a decent fight but has a big mouth. I beat him 2 times already but he keeps running his mouth. So finally last year in Japan I ran into him at the Pride event and confront him. He says nothing and his students pull him away. A coward?
FF
Any thing you want to say to your fans before we wrap this interview up?
RG
All I can say is thank you for all your support and be looking forward to my next fight with Takada.
FF
Thank you for your time.
RG
It's been my pleasure.
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Rickso ... _2005.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Rickso ... _2005.html
