In a recent interview, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Roger Gracie shared his thoughts on who deserves recognition among the sport’s all-time greats, offering insight into what a potential BJJ Mount Rushmore might look like.
Gracie, widely considered one of the most technical practitioners in the sport’s history, highlighted Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida as an undisputed great of the sport.
“Look, it’s difficult… Buchecha is the biggest champion in Jiu-Jitsu history. It is indisputable the story he had, right? I think he has the advantage of weight and size, taking nothing from him,” Gracie explained to Raphaella Amorim.
The Brazilian champion also expressed his admiration for Marcelo Garcia, against whom he has competed twice. “I’m a huge fan of Marcelo Garcia, I’ve fought with him twice. I think because (of) his size (and) what he conquered, for what he did… exceptional.”
Gracie also referenced other notable athletes in the conversation, emphasizing Buchecha’s unprecedented achievement of thirteen world titles. “We have other excellent athletes but indisputable by number of titles, for his history as a fighter… Nobody won thirteen world titles. You can’t put another one in the place that won seven, won five, you understand? Because of what he did in Jiu-Jitsu, yes he is the greatest champion of all.”
While discussing the sport’s greatest competitors, Gracie also mentioned Rafael Mendes among the exceptional athletes who have left their mark on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the depth of talent that has shaped the sport’s rich history.
