Assault charges for MMA legend Renzo Gracie reduced to misdemeanor
Legendary MMA trainer and fighter Renzo Gracie's assault charges have been bumped down from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Gracie, part of the sport's famed first family, was arraigned Monday evening on two counts of misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident that occurred early Monday morning in front of a New York City nightclub that left a bouncer with a broken arm, according to court records. Gracie, along with five others, were initially arrested on charges of felony gang assault, according to the NYPD, but those charges were reduced.
Misdemeanor assault carries a potential prison sentence of one year. By comparison, second-degree gang assault carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in state prison. Misdemeanor, or third-degree, assault is defined as assault with intent to cause physical injury.
Gracie, 47, was arrested along with five others, including three MMA notables, his cousins Igor and Gregor Gracie and Andre Gusmao, outside of 1 OAK, a trendy Manhattan hot spot frequented by celebrities. All were arraigned Monday, released on $10,000 bail and facing the same charges. The bouncer, reportedly 35-year-old Craig Molesphini, was left with a fractured arm, the NYPD said.
The seven men have their next court appearance scheduled for Friday.
In a statement to MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani, Renzo Gracie called everything a "misunderstanding."
"We always had a great relationship with that amazing club and all their employees," Renzo said. "Soon everything will be clear."
Renzo Gracie runs his Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA academy in Manhattan, just blocks from the nightclub. His last MMA bout was in 2010, a loss to UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes.
