Burly Gracie wants to train with Pacman

MANILA, Philippines - Standing 6-4, weighing 242 pounds, carrying a jiu-jitsu blackbelt and possessing fists as big as a boy’s head, Rolles Gracie is the baddest boy you can imagine a mixed martial arts fighter could be.

But despite his massive, Hercules-like frame and his monstrous look inside the ring, the 34-year-old Gracie professes his admiration for this one boxer half his size – Filipino icon and Congressman Manny Pacquiao.

“When I’ve learned that I will be fighting in the Philippines, the first thought that came to my mind was I hoped I could see Manny Pacquiao in person,” Gracie told The STAR a couple of days after a 24-hour flight straight from New York where he trained in the family’s famous facility.

“I’m a big fan of Manny Pacquiao, he’s like the best there is in the sport, having fought some of the greatest of boxers in our time,” he added.

Rolles, who is with brothers Igor and Gregor as three of the featured fighters in the ONE Fighting Championship 5: Pride of Nation unfurling on Aug. 31 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, said he dreams of training side by side someday with Pacquiao.

“That would be great, training with him,” said Rolles. “If I get a chance, maybe he could teach me some and I will teach him also some of my moves. That would be great.”

Rolles, whose family was the originator of Gracie jiu-jitsu or modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu, will take on Tony Bonello (16-1-1), hoping to improve his 6-1 record, which includes three straight wins capped by his impressive stoppage of Bob Sapp at ONE FC2 last February.

The 32-year-old Igor will face Jung Hwan Cha while Gregor, their 26-year-old half brother, will face off with Nicholas Mann in the event, which features the main bouts between DREAM champions Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki and Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight titleholders Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia.

Gregor learned much about the Philippines and its culture from Fil-Am MMA fighter Philip Nover, a former The Ultimate Fighter participant who is a New York-based nurse on the side.

“I have a Filipino friend – his name is Philip Nover – and he’s the one I’ve been getting my education about Philippine food, stories and its culture,” said Gregor.

MMA fans around the world can witness the action of ONE FC online via live streaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv. The undercard fights are available for viewing free of charge while the main card fights will be on purchase on pay-per-view at just $9.99.

Tickets are on sale now through TicketNet at www.ticketnet.com.ph or at all TicketNet outlets located at the SM department store customer service area and at the Big Dome ticket booth.

The Philippine STAR is a media partner of ONE FC.

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 911 5555. Tickets are priced at P4,770 for VIP experience seating, which includes exclusive red carpet entrance as well as access to the VIP lounge. Other tickets are pegged at P2,120, P1,060, P690, P530 and P215, respectively. All applicable service charges apply.

For updates, log on to www.ONEFC.com.