Royce naar UFC Japan !?

**Nicky** · 23-09-2004, 12:54

Report: Royce Gracie may be fighting in UFC 51 / Japan
Sources are reporting that Zuffa and Royce Gracie's camp are trying to work out a deal to get Royce fighting in Zuffa's Dec 19th Japanese show.

Royce has been reluctant to fight in the UFC because of strict rules imposed on Zuffa from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Any fight promotion that is serious about being part of main-stream sports generally is sanctioned by the NSAC to lend creditability and to secure brand name sponsors. The UFC / Zuffa organization sanctions all events through the NSAC.

The NSAC does not have the jurisdiction to sanction overseas bouts / events. I.E. Zuffa can not have the UFC 51 / Japan show NSAC sanctioned. Zuffa is clear to have open rules bouts. This means that Royce can negotiate â€œspecial rules.â€?

It is no secret to MMA fans that Royce prefers; to fight in his gi, for longer rounds, for unlimited rounds, without referee stoppages. These rules are perfectly legal in Japan, and these rules can not be over ridden by any U.S. sanctioning body, for example the NSAC.

Sources close to Zuffa have leaked that Royce is in negations to fight in Japan AND one of the main reason Zuffa wants to host a show in Japan is to bring back Royce Gracie.

It has also been reported that the UFC is in negotiation with none other then Ken Shamrock. Is Ken vs. Royce III a possibility? Many are saying yes. Ken is the UFCâ€™s current number 1 draw, and a rematch between him and Royce would be one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history.