Basic Information
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hoyce Gracie |
| Birth Date | December 12, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Reach | 194 cm |
| Weight Classes | Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, Openweight |
| Rank | 7th‑degree Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu coral belt |
| Affiliations | Gracie Humaitá; Team Royce Gracie |
| Active MMA Career | 1993 – 1995, 2000 – 2007, 2016 (comeback exhibition) |
Early Life & Ancestry
Born on December 12, 1966, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Hoyce Gracie is one of nine sons of martial arts legend Hélio Gracie. After receiving his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt at 17, he moved to Torrance, California, to train with his older brother, Rorion Gracie. His technical skill and competitive passion developed early in the Gracie family’s intensive training. He developed a defensive grappling style at Gracie Humaitá, which shaped his approach in mixed martial arts competition. Hoyce’s pioneering role in worldwide martial arts was shaped by his family’s emphasis on discipline, respect, and invention.
Family & Personal Life
Hoyce Gracie’s personal life shows his family background and personal growth. Being the son of Hélio Gracie, co-founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and nephew to Carlos Gracie Sr. places him in the forefront of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history. Ririon, Rickson, Royler, Relson, and Rolles, his brothers, founded international academies and seminars. Hoyce married Marianne (divorced 2016) and has three kids and one daughter, including U.S. Marine Kheydon Gracie. 2021 Army. In March 2024, he officially converted to Islam, demonstrating his dedication to spiritual progress. Beyond the mat, his precision in shooting helped his squad win the 2022 Sig Hunter Games.
| Family Member | Relation | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Hélio Gracie | Father | Co‑founder of Gracie Jiu‑Jitsu |
| Carlos Gracie Sr. | Uncle | Pioneering BJJ founder |
| Marianne | Ex‑Spouse | Married until 2016 |
| Kheydon Gracie | Son | U.S. Army enlistee (2021) |
| Three other children | Sons & Daughter | Active in martial‑arts community |
Career Journey & Achievements
In the sport’s early years, Hoyce Gracie’s record was legendary. On November 12, 1993, he won the tournament championship by submitting Gerard Gordeau via rear-naked choke in his UFC 1 debut. After winning UFC 2 and 4, he had an early MMA record of 11 victories by submission and 2 losses. His 1995 Superfight tie versus Ken Shamrock at UFC 5 was the first official MMA draw, demonstrating his ability to neutralize top grapplers. His PRIDE experience includes a memorable 90-minute jiu-jitsu defense against Kazushi Sakuraba in 2000 and a 2002 mixed-rules match with Olympic judoka Hidehiko Yoshida, demonstrating his versatility.
| Event | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 1 | Nov 12, 1993 | Win via rear‑naked choke |
| UFC 2 | Mar 11, 1994 | Tournament Champion |
| UFC 4 | Dec 16, 1994 | Tournament Champion |
| UFC 5 Superfight | Apr 7, 1995 | Draw vs. Ken Shamrock |
| PRIDE vs. Sakuraba | Apr 29, 2000 | Unanimous decision (90‑minute bout) |
| PRIDE Shockwave | Dec 31, 2002 | Mixed‑rules vs. Hidehiko Yoshida |
He retired from MMA with a 15-win, 2-loss, 3-draw record, and holds the UFC record for most submissions (11). His technical skill and strategic insight won him entry into the inaugural UFC Hall of Fame class in 2003 and the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Following a brief Bellator 200 exhibition in 2016, he began mentoring and promoting true Gracie Jiu-Jitsu concepts through seminars globally.
Public Image, Influence & Instructional Legacy
Hoyce Gracie revolutionized grappling by proving its efficiency against striking-oriented methods. Early UFC victories inspired a global increase in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies, resulting in Team Royce Gracie chapters in North America, Europe, and Asia. He continues to be a popular educator, leading annual seminars for both professionals and amateurs. His teaching follows the Gracie ethos: test techniques under pressure, respect hierarchy, and grow.
ESPN Films announced a Guy Ritchie-directed docuseries, “Gracie,” in 2023, on the family’s effect on MMA and Hoyce’s role in popularizing submission grappling. His cultural icon status is balanced by his respect for tradition—training in a dark blue belt to honor his father—and his participation in contemporary combat sports discourse through interviews and keynotes.
Most Recent News & Upcoming Projects
- ESPN will premiere the “Gracie” series in late 2025, highlighting the family’s global martial arts influence and featuring rare interviews with Hoyce.
- In a podcast interview in April 2025, he addressed family strife rumors and emphasized the importance of maintaining Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’s ethics.
- Seminar Tours (2025–2026): Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles provide advanced submission defense and historical lineage seminars.
- Instructional Book (Projected 2026): Hoyce is finishing a complete martial arts training manual with technical breakdowns and philosophical musings.
FAQ
What is Hoyce Gracie’s real name?
His given name is Royce Gracie, here presented under the requested pseudonym Hoyce Gracie.
How many UFC tournaments did he win?
He won three UFC tournaments—UFC 1, UFC 2, and UFC 4—between 1993 and 1994.
What is his official MMA record?
His professional record stands at 15 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws, with 11 submission victories.
When was he inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame?
He was part of the inaugural UFC Hall of Fame class in 2003 as a tournament pioneer.
Which family does he belong to?
Hoyce is a member of the Gracie family, son of Hélio Gracie and nephew of Carlos Gracie Sr.
Has he returned to competition recently?
He made a comeback exhibition at Bellator 200 in 2016 but has not resumed professional competition.
What rank does he hold in BJJ?
He is a 7th‑degree coral belt in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu under Rickson Gracie.
What upcoming media project features him?
He will appear in ESPN Films’ “Gracie” docuseries, set to premiere in late 2025.
