Royce Gracie

By FCF Staff

Bellator will have the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first ever winner representing it in the foreseeable future, as the company has announced that Roye Gracie has been hired as its promotional ambassador.

According to the official announcement, the 47 year-old, MMA legend will begin his duties in the coming days as the November 15th, Bellator 131 card nears. Gracie will also be hosting seminars, appearing at autograph sessions and other Bellator related functions.

Gracie, who won the UFC’s first tournament back in 1993, was quoted saying in the official announcement:

“I have known Scott for a long time and have always respected him as not only a promoter but as a martial artist who has always treated fighters with respect and truly understands their value,” Gracie said. “Bellator and Viacom want to give fans exciting fights and enable fighters to continue to grow and most importantly provide for their family, and it’s something I want to be a part of. UFC has done a great job over the past twenty years in building this sport and taking it globally and I’m glad to have been part of that, but Bellator is a growing organization I am honored to be a part of, and with the dedicated and talented people already associated with the company, we can further the growth of mixed marital arts as a sport worldwide.”

Bellator president Scott Coker added:

“To call Royce a legend would be an absolute understatement,”Coker said. “Royce and the Gracie family are directly responsible for making this sport what it is today and we are incredibly fortunate to have him be a part of the Bellator family. Royce will serve in many different capacities for Bellator and I look forward to our fighters, staff and most importantly, our fans, in having the chance to interact with one of the most iconic figures in sports.”

Bellator 131 will feature a light-heavyweight bout between Stephan Bonnar and Tito Ortiz as well as a lightweight championship fight with Michael Chandler and interim champ Will Brooks.