Euclides Pereira
Brazilian vale tudo fighter nicknamed O Diabo Louro, active 1958–1977, who beat Carlson Gracie in 1968; 9th degree BJJ red belt.
Quick Facts
BrazilBiography
Euclides Pereira is a Brazilian vale tudo and luta livre fighter, nicknamed O Diabo Louro (The Blond Devil). He was born on 7 May 1941 in Currais Novos in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. As a child he moved to Natal, where he first attended a Salesian college.
He trained in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, capoeira, karate and luta livre. He was taught by José Jurandir Moura, a certified instructor trained by George Gracie and Takeo Yano.
He debuted in vale tudo circles at 17 and was active from 1958 to 1977. 13 matches are documented: 8 wins (2 KOs, 2 submissions, 4 by decision), no losses, 4 draws and 1 no contest. In 1963 he knocked out an opponent nicknamed King Kong. He fought Ivan Gomes and Waldemar Santana several times, with matches ending in both draws and wins. In 1968 he beat Carlson Gracie on points after an exhausting 50-minute match marked by disputes over exits from the ring. From 1960 to 1966 he was the star of the television show Heróis do Ringue.
According to tradition he had a record of 358-0; sources consider this figure an unverified legend. After the end of his active career he devoted himself to coaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu and reached 9th degree red belt.
Associated Martial Arts
Brazilian fights between representatives of different martial disciplines, with rules that varied by event and region. Sources regard them as a forerunner of MMA.
Luta LivreNotable figure→Brazilian wrestling without a kimono by Euclydes Hatem, finished by a lock or a choke. It is contested in three forms: esportiva, combate and vale tudo.
Ranks and titles
- 9th beltRed belt · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu