By the standards of Spike television and Las Vegas gates, Renzo Gracie’s career has been shaded by a degree of obscurity. His first major appearance in the States was 1995’s ill-fated World Combat Championship pay-per-view, an unfortunate me-too attempt to capitalize on the UFC’s popularity. After another DOA promotion -- MARS -- Renzo wisely exiled himself to Japan, land of bigger paydays and due respect.

Because of this trajectory, it’s possible a lot of fans are unable to recognize Renzo for what he was: far and away the most impressive Gracie to ever compete in fighting. At an uncut 185 pounds, Renzo finished off two former UFC heavyweight champions in Mo Smith and Oleg Taktarov; at 38, he went the distance with B.J. Penn; a 2006-07 run netted three victories over three former UFC champions in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

Credit for those victories goes to durability largely absent from the careers of Royce and Royler. Like Rickson, he had the physicality to play games other than the guard.

Whether those skills should be considered in the past or present tense is a question for April 12: Gracie, who has been making the media rounds for his fight with Matt Hughes in Abu Dhabi, told MMAJunkie.com he wants to “surprise” audiences with a strong performance at the age of 43. Even considering his recent slide, though, Hughes may not be the best opponent for a middle-aged jiu-jitsu technician. He is an effective tormenter from the top, and his wrestling can decide where he wants the fight to take place.

Win or lose, Renzo’s career has always deserved a place of prominence in the U.S. He’s finally getting it.

Renzo Gracie is preparing to take on Matt Hughes at UFC 112 on April 10 in Abu Dhabi. The jiu-jitsu legend will be returning to the arena for the first time in over two years and he will do so against a tough opponent in the former welterweight champion.

Gracie, however, will have the advantage of fighting in his “second home.” He has traveled regularly to the city since he began instructing Sheik Tahnoon -- the man primarily responsible bringing the UFC to the Middle East. A member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, Tahnoon, a Renzo black belt, was instrumental in brokering the deal between Flash Entertainment -- a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi government -- and the UFC that netted the Emirate a 10-percent stake in the world’s top MMA promotion.

In this video, Gracie discusses his personal relationship with the Sheik and the UFC 112 host city. Check it out, only at Sherdog.com.