UFC legend endorses pro-law enforcement pick for California governor: 'We need his strength'

By Fox News · Fox News

EXCLUSIVE : Ultimate Fighting Championship pioneer and legend Royce Gracie has endorsed a pro-law enforcement candidate who is running for governor in California. One of the biggest names in mixed martial arts and the first UFC champion, Gracie made a name for himself by taking down much larger opponents through precision and skill. Now he is weighing into the political sphere in the race to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom , who is term-limited and widely rumored to have 2028 presidential ambitions. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gracie said he is endorsing sheriff Chad Bianco’s long-shot bid to replace Newsom in 2026. Gracie, a three-time UFC champion, called Bianco a "fighter" who is "exactly who we need." KATIE PORTER SAYS SHE REGRETS VIRAL OUTBURSTS AT REPORTER, STAFFER "When Gavin Newsom closed businesses, schools, and churches, one person stood against him, Sheriff Chad Bianco," Gracie told Fox News Digital. "Chad Bianco didn’t fold. He’s a fighter, and a fighter is exactly who we need as Governor of California ," he added, saying, "We need his strength to turn this state around after the mess Gavin Newsom has created." Bianco, who is a vocal Trump supporter and the sheriff of Riverside County, just east of Los Angeles, announced his gubernatorial candidacy back in February, saying, "Californians deserve better." He has framed his candidacy around restoring safety and a better quality of life to California . "This campaign will not be about the divide between Republicans and Democrats. It will be about the common goal we all have for a better California," Bianco emphasized at his campaign launch. "As Californians, we want leadership that actually cares about the cost of living …and leaders who will do something about it," Bianco said in his address. "We want homes we can afford. We want air conditioning when it's hot, not rolling blackouts. We want water for the crops and animals that feed us. We want the opportunity to achieve the California Dream,…