By Ivan Saldajeno
Former Strikeforce veteran Roger Gracie is set to make his return to MMA action after 17 months against James McSweeney at One FC: Warrior's Way at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Gracie will once again showcase his prowess in Brazilian jiu-jitsu that was innovated by no less than his grandfather Carlos against another veteran fighter in McSweeney, a striking expert.
Gracie last fought in his one and only battle in the UFC, a unanimous decision loss to Tim Kennedy at UFC 162 on July 7, 2013.
Gracie was one of the 20 Strikeforce fighters who were absorbed by the UFC following the merger of the two promotions, making him the fourth member of the fabled clan to join UFC.
The UFC, however, did not renew Gracie's expiring Strikeforce contract following the loss to Kennedy.
On the verge of an early MMA retirement with a 6-2 record, Gracie, following an advice from close friends and One FC executives, decided to defer giving up and give One FC a try.
"I am happy to sign with One FC. I had given up in fighting MMA, decided to go back to jiu-jitsu, but I got this offer and it changed my mind. I’m going to do a few more MMA fights, and I still want to compete in jiu-jitsu," Gracie said.
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