New movie in the works about MMA fighter Royce Gracie and The Birth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Den of Thieves AND Airplane director Christian Gudegast will write and direct a new film based on a mixed martial artist Royce Gracie and the birth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. If you like MMA, this is an interesting story that will make a great movie!

The Untitled Project takes place “on the night Royce Gracie demonstrated Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as the most effective fighting style, one that would eventually become a major component of today’s UFC mixed martial arts.” The story will also chronicle “Gracie’s UFC 1 debut on November 12, 1993, when the fighter achieved the unthinkable during the organization’s inaugural competition.”

That night Gracie knocked down three fighters and is considered the night the UFC was born. “Derived from Japanese jiu-jitsu, which is rooted in samurai traditions, Gracie Jiu-jitsu was formed in Brazil in the 1920s when Japanese fighter Mitsuyo Maeda moved from Japan to Brazil and began training Royce’s uncle Carlos Gracie. It was Carlos, together with his younger brother Hélio, father of Royce, who carried on the tradition throughout the family and brought the sport to international fame”.

Gracie spoke about the project, saying, “I remember every detail of that night, the intensity of it was palpable but even then I didn’t appreciate the incredible impact it would have and the meaning it would carry for years to come, not just for me but for the martial arts world.All that I am is due to jiu-jitsu and I am thrilled for the world to hear my story.

The project is set up at Tucker Tooley Entertainment and producer Tucker Tooley (We are The Millers, Den of Thieves) said, “Before Royce Gracie fought in the first UFC, the established fighting world was all about boxing. As the world watched him defeat three champion fighters in one night using his family’s Gracie Jiu-Jitsu method, the UFC was born,” Tooley noted. “The moment meant to the world of fighting what NWA’s release of ‘Straight Outta Compton’ meant to the world of hip hop: a seismic shift that birthed a profound new genre.” .

Gudegast, who has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, added, “I’ve been thinking about telling this story for 25 years after watching UFC1 and being fascinated by it, and at the same time having the honor of coaching jiu-jitsu.” Brazilian jitsu. jitsu and Vale Tudo with Royce’s family ever since. I believe what Royce accomplished that night is one of the most remarkable athletic achievements of all time. He and his family are endlessly fascinating, as they embody a true spirit like a samurai from another era. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Royce as a man and a warrior, and for all the Gracys as godfathers of martial arts.”

Gudegast is currently in production on Den of Thieves 2: Panther, and will start this new project when it finishes.

Source: Deadline