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Sherdog’s Top 10: Memorable UFC Debuts

C.J. TuttleJun 18, 2014
Royce Gracie forever changed the sport of MMA. | Holly Stein/Getty Images Sport


5. Royce Gracie
UFC 1 “The Beginning”
Nov. 12, 1993 | Denver


At the event that started it all, Gracie fought three times, defeating Art Jimmerson, Ken Shamrock and Gerard Gordeau by submission to win the UFC 1 tournament. It marked the debut not only of perhaps the most influential figure in MMA history but also the first appearance of Brazilian jiu-jitsu on a major stage.

In a grand total of four minutes and 59 seconds, Gracie ran through three opponents that were placed before him and showed techniques the combat sports world had not yet seen. He could handle anyone, big or small, in this new experiment known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Gracie remained undefeated inside the Octagon until 2006, when he lost to Matt Hughes by first-round technical knockout at UFC 60. Rumors of a return to fighting persisted until November 2013, when Gracie announced his retirement prior to UFC 167 the week the company turned 20.

Number 4 » Frankie Edgar