Rolles Gracie says he’s not trying to live up to his family name. It’s a good thing, because his pathetic performance against Joey Beltran certainly didn’t remind anyone of Royce, Rickson or any other legendary Gracie.
Gracie displayed awkward standup and simply wanted to get the fight to the ground. He nearly secured a rear-naked choke in the first round, but when Beltran escaped, Gracie had nothing left in the tank. He could barely stand at the end of the first round. The second round was even worse, with Gracie making sluggish takedown attempts and missing before slowly rising to his feet or laying on his back. Beltran caught one of these takedown attempts and laid in 33 unanswered punches before Herb Dean mercifully stopped the fight.
In a way, Rolles Gracie did live up to his family name — he had zero to offer when the fight wasn’t on the mat. His last name may get him another bout with the UFC, but it’s doubtful.