loading…
Brazilian UFC legend Royce Gracie has converted to Islam just 10 days after he supported Israel. He converted to Islam after hearing the Palestinian version of the story. Photo/via Yahoo
BRASILIA – Brazilian Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) legend Royce Gracie stated that he had converted to Islam.
The statement came after he sparked a stir by expressing support for Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Royce, known as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legend and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) pioneer, converted to Islam after meeting Muslim YouTuber Eddie Redzovic—a BJJ black belt and founder of Team Redzovic in Chicago—and prominent Muslim preacher Sheikh Uthman Ibn Farooq.
In the latest episode of The Deen Show Redzovic which aired on Friday, Gracie opened up about her thoughts on Islam, the genocide taking place in Gaza, and her intention to visit the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
He also said, “I don't drink (alcohol). I don't eat pork”, which is in line with Islamic practice.
Gracie's statement about converting to Islam comes just 10 days after she received backlash on social media for her posts supporting Israel.
In Instagram posts made on February 19 that have not been deleted, he wrote: When I first heard about what was happening in Israel, I did not hesitate to contact my friends there privately. But now, I want to say it loud and clear: I stand with you, and I stand with Israel against terrorist groups or any form of terrorism.”
After that, BJJ black belt Idriz Redzovic, Eddie's cousin, reportedly arranged a meeting at the Deen Center.
Idriz Redzovic stated: “Before everyone came here and started hating on Royce Gracie's Instagram post about Israel's stance last week, he was there to hear the other side of the story, the Palestinian side. He finally took his shahada. Allah is the best planner.”
“Be patient and wait for the program that will air soon on the Deen Show before you say something wrong. “We are Muslims and should not act like other people who are not Muslims,” he explained, as quoted by Middle East Monitor, Monday (4/3/2024).
(but)