UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie is making it clear that while he now works for Bellator MMA, he still has respect for his former promotion.
The MMA legend current works for Bellator as the company's new official brand ambassador, given tasks such as appearing at events to promote the company and interact with fans during MMA shows, according to MMA Fighting. He said he got the offer from Bellator President Scott Coker, who he said he has been friends with "for five or seven years."
Gracie added that he doesn't think the offer was meant to be an attack towards the UFC.
"They see my value, and invited me to be their ambassador," he said.
"The UFC was my home and will always be my home. I helped creating and building that home. Now, Bellator is a relatively new organization, and I'm here to help them grow even more."
Gracie holds a 14-2-3 record in MMA, having competed in the sport for 24 years, MMA Fighting reported. Past accomplishments include winning three UFC tournaments between 1993 and 1994. He is also the fifth UFC Hall of Famer to join Bellator, the previous four being Tito Ortiz, Stephan Bonnar, Ken Shamrock and Randy Couture.
The veteran added that competition between Bellator and the UFC will prove to be beneficial for MMA.
"It's always good to have more promotions, give more fighters work," he said. "You have tons of talents everywhere you go, so you can't be stuck to only one promotion. I'm here to help Bellator grow."
Gracie will start his new position at the Bellator Fan Fest, which will take place on Oct. 21st in San Diego, Calif.
