When UFC veteran Oleg Taktarov visited the Gracie Academy in the United States, he encountered an unexpected financial barrier. According to Taktarov’s recent appearance on Lytes Out podcast, Rorion Gracie requested $30 for training privileges at the academy.
The hosts revealed:
“Then you come to the United States, and the story we’re being told is that you go to Rorion Gracie’s academy. He doesn’t allow you to roll with him—he makes you roll with his students. While rolling with the students, you qualify for the team, but you have to pay a fee in order to continue rolling with them as well as with him. Is that correct?”
Taktarov responded:
“Rorion asked me for thirty dollars to train, and at that time, I had no money—completely broke. I don’t remember exactly what I told him, but I tried to say, “Hey, you help me with the moves, I help you with some moves you guys don’t know.” Basically, I meant leg locks—some zombie technique. Of course, he looked at me like I was just bragging, like I was a nobody.”
At the time, Taktarov was struggling financially and couldn’t afford the fee. He attempted to negotiate by offering to exchange techniques, particularly leg locks and sambo moves, but his proposal was met with skepticism.
Though allowed to roll with the academy’s black belts, the encounter took an interesting turn. While Taktarov was showering, Rorion went to speak with Art Davie, UFC co-founder. Years later, Taktarov learned that rather than recommending him, Rorion had advised against signing him, dismissing his abilities.
“He let me roll with the guys. They were all black belts, but they were nothing special. After that, he went straight to Art Davie’s office while I was taking a shower. He was there in his gi…”
“I thought he was telling Art how good I was. I thought he was saying, “Hey Art, you should sign this guy, he’s good. He rolled with my top black belts and completely dominated them.”
“Instead, Art Davie told me—years later—that Rorion had actually said, “Don’t sign this guy. He’s a nobody. Nothing special.””
Intriguingly, Taktarov revealed that he was in notable company – according to Art Davie, Rorion had similarly advised against bringing Olympic wrestler Alexander Karelin and Mike Tyson into the UFC.
“I was the third guy Rorion told them not to bring into the UFC. The other two? Alexander Karelin, the Olympic wrestler, and Mike Tyson.”
