Garry Tonon's official statement about Metamoris

[Aiseop]

[Aiseop]

Exclusivity: the Gracie way.

[HerbChao]

I wonder if Chael was asked same thing, or Keenan. Either way Garry has def earned alot of respect from me the past few weeks, and I love his interviews.

[Craig Murray]

I was a fan of Garry's before this. Now I am a true admirer of him. Class act all the way. And obviously smart too. In my estimation he's just cementing his credibility off the mat by telling Ralek to fuck himself.

I wonder how many emails Ralek "Douchebag" Gracie is getting about this

[Arman Fathi]

Garry went up three notches in my book. Class act. Before I was merely an admirer of his game. I'm a huge fan now.

[Aiseop]

Eddie should set up a 30 minute, live-streamed seminar by Garry, followed by 30 minute rolling sessions with Geo, Boogey, Nathan, Denny, etc. ... and of course himself to top off the event. Playful but real rolling. $5. And do it like 1.5 hours before Metamoris 6 starts so it ends without interfering with Meta 6 but gives a symbolic and financial support to Garry for standing up to that B.S.

[alan de garay]

Wooow real black belt

[Logan Cook]

I made a thread about this on the Underground last night and the great Joe Rogan has chimed in with his support!

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[VJ Bella]

Business is business...I don't begrudge Ralek for trying to do this...what I do begrudge him for is a his lack of business knowledge and his timing with signing Mafra if those rumors are true (causing him to pull out of EBI in order to hurt the EBI show). If he did sign Mafra only hours before the EBI show he shows a true lack of business ethics and if I am a competitor I see this as a huge Red Flag for his organization to be able to sustain itself long term. As far as his business acumen goes he is terrible. The guy was basically handed a silver spoon in this sport by having the Gracie name and he still cant seem to get it right. Unless you have established yourself as the go to 'de-facto' promotion for elite grapplers then you don't offer exclusive contracts. Most athletes will only sign these types of contracts if they:

A.)Have no other choice (limited options with other promotions) and not signing would negatively impact their reputation and finances.
B.) Recognize that the promotion has clearly established itself as the elite de-facto promotion. (clearly not the case at this stage as EBI, Polaris, Five etc. are all clearly in play and even putting up a superior product at this point).
C.) Are getting paid an exorbitant amount of money.

I don't believe any of these to be the case so in my mind Ralek has made another grave miscalculation that may end up costing him his promotion...not securing its future. Maybe try taking a few business classes??

BTW...those contract are bullshit in the US and mean nothing. A lawyer could easily get a non-compete contract thrown out (I know I've done it). These contracts are more scare tactic then legally binding agreements.

Glad to see that Garry was smart enough not to take the bait

[David Rosado]

I'm blown away that he's only 23. 23!!!!!!!!!!! It's nuts that he's so good at such an early age, such a good head on his shoulders, and humble. I look forward to his MMA debut.