Rodrigo's destiny was predetermined from birth. He was born into to a fighting dynasty. For over 75 years the Gracie family has been in the forefront of the fighting world. When Rodrigo's time came he was ready. Rodrigo made his Mixed Martial Arts debut in a small promotion called VATV 10 - Vengeance at the Vanderbilt with a submission win over Kyle DeMello.
Before entering the world of professional fighting, Rodrigo competed in many Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling Tournaments winning most of them. Some of Rodrigo's tournament accomplishments include:
* 1998 1st Place Winner - Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Wrestling
Championships (ADCC) defeating the likes of Carlos Newton, Genki Sudo
and Karim Barklaev
* 4 Time North American Grappling Association Champion
