UFC 5 - HUGHES VS GRACIE

UFC 5 - HUGHES VS GRACIE

The Passing of the Torch

The UFC 60 main event between Matt Hughes and Royce Gracie represented a symbolic passing of the torch from the old guard to the new generation of mixed martial artists. On one side was Hughes, the reigning UFC Welterweight Champion in the prime of his career at age 32. He was riding an incredible 7-fight winning streak, having defended his title 4 times with dominant victories over the likes of Frank Trigg, Georges St-Pierre, and BJ Penn.

On the other side was Gracie, the 39-year-old legend who had won the first ever UFC tournament back in 1993 and was the promotion's first true superstar. However, Gracie had not competed in nearly 2 years and was well past his prime fighting days. The age gap and Hughes' wrestling pedigree made him a heavy -300 favorite over the +240 underdog Gracie.

As Gracie made his walk to the cage wearing his traditional gi, commentator Joe Rogan proclaimed "What you are looking at right there is one of the most famous and influential martial artists in the history of the world." Meanwhile, Hughes entered looking focused and confident, with Rogan's broadcast partner Mike Goldberg stating "Hughes has redefined every fighter in the world at 170lbs as truly the most dominant welterweight in MMA history."

The stage was set for an epic clash between the old lion Gracie and the new breed of well-rounded fighter represented by Hughes. It would be a symbolic changing of the guard, where the new generation aimed to dethrone the legend who helped build the sport.