Renzo Gracie Debates 'The Greatest Of All Time'

FloGrappling caught up with jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie while visiting the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City last week. After the conclusion of one of the biggest matches of the year at Gracie Pro 2017, we asked the "godfather" of the Gracie family what his thoughts were on the ever-growing debate between Roger Gracie and Marcus Almeida and who owns the title of "greatest of all time." In classic Renzo fashion, his way with words seemed to put everything in perspective.

For you to compare fighters would be like comparing the beauty of a woman. Every woman is beautiful in her own way. It would not be polite to compare. To compare Buchecha and Roger would be the same. Buchecha is a great kid -- what he has done is amazing. He'll be able to fix the little mistakes he had and get out of this better than before.

Buchecha will continue to write his legacy next weekend as a part of the eight-man grand prix in Las Vegas. The single-elimination tournament boasts some of the most decorated competitors out there, including Andre Galvao, Leandro Lo, and Joao Gabriel Rocha. The winner will take home a grand prize of $40,000. 

Coming off a loss for the first time since his catastrophic knee injury in 2015, the reigning IBJJF champion Buchecha will undoubtedly be looking to put the sour taste of Roger Gracie behind him. An impressive performance on August 26 would thrust Buchecha immediately back to the top.

Roger Gracie, on the other hand, is enjoying his retirement. However, it won't last long if his uncle Renzo has anything to say about it!

The reality is I'm gonna get my fork, cause sometimes I'm the devil not just an angel, and I will poke him in the butt to push him forward to new challenges. A Gracie with that talent shouldn't be calling it a career at 35. I'm 50 and thinking about fighting so I hope he reconsiders. I'll make sure he reconsiders.

Watch IBJJF 2017 Pro League Heavyweight Grand Prix LIVE or On Demand ONLY on FloGrappling!