What if Royce lost to Gerard Gordeau in UFC 1?

"Initiative" is one way to put it--and you're right, it's almost indefinable. "Energy" might be another way to describe it. Royce was a more active fighter.

Rickson seemed content to stomp your feet, knee you a bit, and clinch you for hours until he could get you down with economical energy expenditure. I recall an interview where he indicated that his style was built for a long match. Royce would be all over you in a moment, frantically trying to get you down like he did against Kimo.