Renzo intends to move to 155 pound division

On the future

I’m looking forward to fighting again toward the end of the year. They’re going to propose me someone, and I’ll be more than glad to make it happen.

I’m trying to go down to 155. I fought Matt Hughes and was 169 on the day of the fight. I believe I can push myself to be 155, and do it healthy, do it the right way, you know?

On Roger Gracie

Roger is fighting next week. He’s training with us, him and Braulio Estimo. Braulio is fighting Shine in North Carolina, same day. It’s going to be an interesting weekend. I’ll be with Roger and Ricardo Almeida will be with Braulio. Oh man, they’re training very hard. He’s commiting himself at 205. It’s going to be an unbelievable battle. Ricardo Almeida will be fighting Matt Hughes at UFC 117 (in August). So it’s going to be very interesting. We will have a full year of competition.

On teaching

Oh yeah, I’m still a white belt. Every time I come to a seminar like this, I am able to improve myself… to correct things I’m doing wrong. By looking at other people I can make it better, you know. It makes me understand better the moves… teaching is actually learning.

On Jiu-Jitsu

I believe this is the greatest sport in the world. Take your time, join, train, you’re going to fall in love. It’s addictive. You’re going to see the jiu-jitsu adapt to your personality, the way that you are. The next thing you’ll see is the greatest sport you ever did in your life. And it’s the rest of your life. That’s the funny thing. You don’t train for five or six years. You train forever.

A hero’s heroes

I have a lot of heroes, my friend. Even Maurice Smith! He started the game late and he did unbelievably. Matt Hume, he was a very tough fighter but he was an unbelievable teacher. There’s people who really matter, really make this sport. Those are among them. My family, who are always on my side and in my corner. I can’t even thank them enough, you know.

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