The Return of Renzo Gracie? (Update)

Heavy.com is reporting that Renzo Gracie (13-6-1) may return to fighting,

Heavy.com has confirmed with sources close to the UFC that a welterweight matchup between Renzo Gracie and Matt Hughes is in the works for UFC 109 in February.

Gracie, 42, last appeared in a February 2007 disqualification victory over Frank Shamrock. Rumors have circulated over the last month that the legendary Gracie family member has been in negotiations with the UFC. Both fighters have been approached about the fight, but bout agreements have not been signed.

Hughes has turned down bouts with top contenders Josh Koscheck and Mike Swick in recent months, citing the desire to only participate in "interesting" fights. He defeated Royce Gracie at UFC 60 in 2006, and his last appearance in the Octagon came at UFC 98 in May, where he defeated Matt Serra.

While Renzo is a part of the legendary Gracie clan he has never fought in the UFC.

WKR feels that the more interesting part of this report is Matt Hughes refusal to fight Mike Swick and Josh Koscheck. Both fighters are top-ten welterweights and possible title contenders. To WKR that is the very definition of an "interesting fight." Maybe WKR is using a different dictionary than Matt Hughes but a legacy battle between Gracie and Hughes doesn't ooze great fight potential. Perhaps Matt simply wants to defeat the entire Gracie clan before retiring from the UFC.

[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 11/12/09 10:47 PM EST ]

Renzo Gracie spoke to Graciemag (via MMAforReal) to say no dice on a possible fight with Matt Hughes

Either way, incredulous columnists and sedentary fans can rest at ease. No, Renzo is not going to fight in February, when he will be completely focused on cousin Rolles's UFC debut. But...

"My relationship with the UFC is excellent. Something will happen..." he hints.

On his adversary, should it really be Matt Hughes, as has been speculated for weeks, Renzo confirms nothing. Nor does he deny it: "The match-up has been made. It's going down.