In a historic moment at the Deen Center in Tampa, legendary UFC champion and founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s global movement Royce Gracie sat down to clear up a misunderstanding that had generated death threats and hate from Muslims worldwide after a social media post about the conflict in Palestine. What began as a conversation about compassion for all innocent life ended with Royce Gracie taking his shahada and declaring his intention to visit Mecca.
The Misunderstanding That Led to a Historic Moment
Royce Gracie, the man whose family created the UFC and changed martial arts forever, had posted sympathizing with civilian deaths on October 7th. Muslims misread it as support for the Israeli military campaign, and the backlash was fierce. But when he sat down with Shaykh Uthman ibn Farooq to discuss it, Gracie made his position crystal clear: he sympathizes with every innocent civilian dying on both sides, with a particular emphasis on the documented killing of nearly 12,000 children in Gaza. His humanity was never in question — only the interpretation of his words.
Innocent life, whether children or others, should be protected. We stand for that. And we’re going to Mecca — that’s it.
From BJJ Legend to Muslim
- Royce Gracie confirmed his belief that there is none worthy of worship except One God and that Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad were all messengers of God
- He took his shahada live on the show, declaring the testimony of faith in front of the world
- The Gracie family is considered the most consequential family in the history of martial arts, and Royce’s conversion sends a powerful message to millions of fans worldwide
- He expressed his willingness to visit Gaza if given the opportunity, showing his genuine concern for the Palestinian people
A Message Bigger Than Martial Arts
If the legendary Royce Gracie — the Bruce Lee of our generation — can visit the Deen Center, learn about Islam, and take his shahada, imagine how many others are just one honest conversation away from the truth. His journey from a misunderstood social media post to embracing Islam is a reminder that sincerity, patience, and dawah done with wisdom can turn even the harshest critics into brothers in faith. As Royce himself declared after taking shahada: “We’re going to Mecca.”
You believe that there is none worthy of worship except One God? Yes. And you believe that Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad were all messengers of God? Yes. We’re going to Mecca — Mecca trip coming up together.
