For FloCombat via A.G Fight

A rising prospect with a legendary name, Neiman Gracie is the latest talent to emerge from jiu-jitsu's royal family. 

The 28-year-old Brazilian can already look back on a long list of accomplishments in jiu-jitsu, among them a Pan-American championship as a purple belt. That said, the here and now sees Gracie fulfilling a childhood dream by also pursuing a career in mixed martial arts. As a professional, he's unbeaten in six fights heading into his next bout against Javier Torres at Bellator 185 this Friday in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Gracie's success gives him confidence he made the right decision -- a choice inspired by none other than Royce Gracie.

"I've always dreamed of being a professional fighter," Neiman said. "When I was a kid, Royce was starting to have success in the UFC, and it was the time that jiu-jitsu broke out. That got into my head, for sure. This was a childhood dream and I had to go after it.

"Most would think that, for a Gracie, there really is no other way in life other than to pursue a competitive career in combat sports."

While many of those who carry that name actually do end up inside a ring, a cage, or on the mats, Gracie insisted there's never been any expectation or demand for him to devote his life to martial arts. 

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"You don't have that pressure to become a fighter and do well," Gracie said. "People think we're forced to train, but I've never had to do anything because it was some type of duty. We see the older generation do it and we want to participate, too. [Our family] has the recognition of fans of the sport and the people who walk into our academies.

"This ends up giving everyone more desire to train jiu-jitsu and to follow the way of martial arts. Many of us become fighters, but most actually get their black belts and become teachers. There is no pressure."

Pressure or not, Gracie ended up choosing the path of the fighter. Next, Gracie will be looking for his fifth consecutive victory as part of the Bellator organization. The 28-year old welterweight's plans, though, already go far beyond that.

"I want to fight more often every year and go after the belt," Gracie stated. "I think next year, or in the near future, a fight for the title will be likely. I want to go as far as I can. The sky is the limit."