Considered by many to be the greatest No-Gi grappler of all time, Marcelo Garcia has accomplished just about everything there is in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A whopping 5 times World Champion and 4 times ADCC Champion, Garcia’s accolades speak for themselves.
In a recent interview on the BJJ Fanatics Podcast, Garcia was asked who he would put on a “BJJ Mount Rushmore” if he could choose only 4 faces. His response may surprise some fans.
Garcia named Buchecha, Fabio Gurgel, and Rickson as the four he would immortalize on the hypothetical monument.
“Roger, Buchecha, Fabio Gurgel, and Rickson,” stated Garcia simply when asked the question. The GOAT seemed to have his BJJ Rushmore faces picked out quickly without hesitation.
Roger Gracie
With 10 world titles across multiple belt levels, Roger Gracie has one of the most impressive competitive resumes in BJJ history. He was almost unbeatable in his prime, using his size, technique, and trademark style to dominate the open weight divisions. Gracie won the Open Weight World Championships a staggering six times between 2004-2010. His combination of longevity, accomplishments, and innovation with old school techniques make him difficult to overlook for GOAT status.
Buchecha
Still an active (MMA) competitor, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida has already built a legendary career highlighted by an astounding 13 world titles across multiple weight classes. His sustained excellence and ability to win at multiple weight classes due to his athleticism and technique is unprecedented. Buchecha has been the measuring stick that all other competitors are judged against for over a decade, making him not only incredibly accomplished but also one of the most dominant forces the sport has seen.
Fabio Gurgel
While he “only” won five world titles, Fabio Gurgel’s overall impact goes far beyond just competition accomplishments. As the founder of the Alliance BJJ association, Gurgel has mentored scores of champions and helped grow the sport immensely. His innovative teaching methods, concepts like “reversing the game,” and high-level BJJ mind have influenced generations of grapplers. His influence as both a competitor and influential instructor make him one of the most well-rounded BJJ figures ever.
Rickson Gracie
The patriarch of the Gracie family’s latest generation, Rickson Gracie’s aura and mystique are largely responsible for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s growth into the modern era. While his competition accomplishments are difficult to verify completely, his legacy comes from his role as a pioneering figure who helped transition BJJ from the Gracie Challenge days to the sport it is today. His techniques were ahead of their time and his influence on BJJ’s philosophy and mentality is immeasurable. As the person most associate with keeping the Gracie traditions alive, Rickson could be considered BJJ’s most important ambassador.
Fans may debate Garcia’s picks, but one thing is certain – when the GOAT speaks on the greatest in his sport, people will undoubtedly listen.
