Royce Gracie vs Remco Pardoel Full Fight – UFC 2 Semifinal

Royce Gracie defeated Remco Pardoel via submission (lapel choke) at 1 minute and 31 seconds of Round 1. The historic semi-final tournament bout took place at UFC 2: No Way Out on Friday, March 11, 1994, at Mammoth Gardens in Denver, Colorado.

• The Matchup: This tournament bout pitted the reigning UFC 1 champion, Royce Gracie (175 lbs), against Dutch Ju-Jutsu and Judo specialist Remco Pardoel (260 lbs). Pardoel held a massive 3-inch height advantage and an 85-pound weight advantage.
• The Action: Pardoel entered the fight confident after working out a strategy with his countryman Gerard Gordeau. Early on, Gracie initiated a clinch. Pardoel, relying on his traditional grappling background, was comfortable turning his back to give up position. Gracie quickly took advantage, seized a body lock, and spun Pardoel down to the canvas. 
• The Finish: Once on the mat, Gracie secured hooks, established back control, and threaded Pardoel’s own gi lapel around his neck. Gracie adjusted the leverage to lock in a tight lapel choke, forcing Pardoel to tap out at the 1:31 mark. 
• The Outcome: With this victory, Gracie advanced to the tournament finals later that night, where he defeated Patrick Smith to capture his second consecutive UFC tournament championship.