Ryan Gracie (August 13, 1974 – December 15, 2007) was a Brazilian mixed martial artist and 4th-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The youngest son of Robson Gracie and grandson of Carlos Gracie, Ryan was the brother of Renzo, Ralph, Charles, and Flavia Gracie. He had one son, Rayron Gracie, born December 8, 2001.
Ryan grew up in Rio de Janeiro, first in Teresópolis, then Copacabana, before settling in Barra da Tijuca on Gilberto Amado Street — a house that became famous in the jiu-jitsu community as a symbol of the wild lifestyle of Ryan and his brothers. He was fully embedded in the family's fighting culture from childhood and earned a reputation as the most aggressive and unpredictable Gracie, frequently involved in street altercations.
In BJJ competition, Ryan won gold at the 1997 Brazilian National Championship (-94 kg) and the 1998 Pan-American Championship. He also ran a thriving academy in São Paulo, Gracie São Paulo, which grew to nearly 1,000 students across affiliates. He trained notable fighters including Gabriel Vella and Fabio Leopoldo.
Ryan's MMA career centered on PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan, where he competed in seven fights between 2000 and 2004. PRIDE marketed him as the "bad boy" of the Gracie family. His record was 5-2, with victories including KO wins and submissions. Notable opponents included Kazushi Sakuraba (loss by unanimous decision at PRIDE 12), Tokimitsu Ishizawa (KO win at PRIDE 10), and Yoji Anjo (armbar submission at PRIDE Shockwave 2004).
In October 2005, Ryan suffered an accidental gunshot wound to his leg at his sister's home in Rio de Janeiro, requiring hospitalization and a blood transfusion.
On December 15, 2007, Ryan was arrested in São Paulo around 1:30 AM after stealing a car, injuring a 76-year-old man, and attempting to hijack a motorcycle. He was detained by bystanders until police arrived. His wife contacted his psychiatrist, Dr. Sabino Ferreira de Faria, who came to the jail and reportedly remained with Ryan for most of the night. At approximately 7:00 AM, Ryan was found dead in his cell, slumped in a corner.
NOTE ON SOURCES: The exact cause of death remains a subject of debate. Toxicological examination revealed the presence of prescription medication in Ryan's system. Dr. Ferreira was charged with medical negligence for allegedly administering an excessive cocktail of drugs. He was sentenced to community service and fined. The Gracie family has maintained that Ryan's death was the result of negligent medical treatment, not suicide. No definitive public inquiry fully resolved all disputed details surrounding the events of that night.
Ryan's son Rayron released a documentary titled "Letters to My Father" in January 2021, exploring his experience growing up without his father through letters he wrote during adolescence. Rayron competes in BJJ and trains at Renzo Gracie Academy in New York.
Sources: Wikipedia — Ryan Gracie; BJJ Heroes; Graciemag; ADCC News; Sherdog.com; Tapology.