Ralek Gracie’s first MMA fight was in 2007, a first round submission over Katsuyori Shibata. He was 21. A year later he submitted Alavutdin Gadzhiyev, also in the first round. In 2010 he took a decision at DREAM 14 over a faded ‘Gracie Killer’ Kazushi Sakuraba.

He was never paid by DREAM, suffered injury and recovered, had a few kids, taught Jiu-Jitsu, created arguably the worst rap song of all time, and founded the ground-breaking Metamoris. Metamoris ironically ended up not paying some of the athletes. Gracie has promised to pay back all funds owed, which may have played a role in his decision to take another fight; Ralek faces Hisaki Kato at Bellator 170 on Saturday.

However, Gracie has a simpler explanation for the fight.

It seems very obvious to me, said Gracie to Steven Marrocco for MMAjunkie in advance of his return to MMA at Bellator 170 after a seven-year layoff. I’m just doing what my family has been doing for generations. I’m not coming from anywhere, and I never wanted to stop in the first place. It’s obvious to me, but not necessarily the world.

He took time before committing to fight, to make sure his body could still withstand the rigors of camp and cage. Now he feels he’s ready.

Being able to zone on yourself and your preparation, it’s one of the most spiritual things you can do – is prepare for a fight. And one of the most freedomesque types of endeavors you can engage in. You’re preparing yourself for war.

For me, it’s about coming back to my roots, and coming to terms with myself.”