UFC Hall of Famer legend Royce Gracie just revealed that Vans is getting into jiu jitsu and MMA, with a project that has reportedly been years in the making.
Gracie shared the news on social media alongside Steve Van Doren, giving fans their first look at the collaboration.
Gracie posted
“After years in the making, IT'S TIME!!!!! VANS JIU JITSU AND VANS “MMA” Coming Soon, Stay Tuned 🥋👊 @vans @stevevandoren @brucebuffer @jiujitsusupplyco
#vans #jiujitsu #mma”
The announcement comes as skateboarding and combat training continue to cross paths. More pro skaters have been getting into BJJ.
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And some MMA fighters are also out there skating hard in the streets.
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Tony Hawk has also entered a new global MMA league business venture, adding another connection between the two scenes.
READ MORE: Skate Legend Tony Hawk Enters the Fight Game With Investment in New Global MMA League
Skateboarder, actor and director Jonah Hill has also trained in BJJ and says he can beat you up if you still call him “the fat guy from Superbad.”
With those connections already happening, a Vans project with Gracie feels like a natural fit.
Gracie is one of the most influential figures in Brazilian jiu jitsu and early UFC, while Vans has deep roots in skateboarding and action sports.
There are still few details about what Vans Jiu Jitsu and Vans MMA will include. Gracie has not announced a release date or full product lineup yet.
Right now, core heads and cage fighters know the project is coming and that Gracie has been working on it for years.