Many of the most interesting characters in the world of MMA, compete outside of the UFC. In fact, some of them compete outside of Bellator, One FC, or Invicta. Most of the fighters listed in these articles fought, or currently still fight, on the fringes of the sport, in an MMA counter-culture that rarely receives media coverage.
Not one fighter on this list ever competed in the UFC. These fighters created their legacies in other pockets of the world, ones outside the UFC’s grasp. A couple fighters on this list competed before the dawning of the UFC, yet still aren’t given the proper recognition they deserve as pioneers of the sport.
Here are 5 fighters only hardcore MMA fans know about:
5. Euclides “the Blonde Devil” Pereira
Before Sakuraba, the original “Gracie Killer” was Luta Livre legend Euclides Pereira. Pereira began competing in the Brazilian Vale Tudo scene as a teenager in the 1950s. His reputation began to grow and after 5 years of attempting to organize the bout, he took on Carlson Gracie in 1968.
Pereira would defeat Gracie via decision after an hour long bout. Gracie would claim Pereira cheated when he left the ring to avoid being submitted in a guillotine choke. It is believed this tactic was commonplace in some areas around this time however. Pereira granted Gracie a rematch, but one never came to fruition.
Carlson was said to be furious about the referee’s decision that day. The controversy in the bout is one of many factors which led to the ensuing rivalry between Luta Livre practitioners and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The rivalry would eventually lead to the 1997 riot between supporters of the two sides during the Renzo Gracie vs. Eugenio Tadeu fight, which led to the banning of MMA in Rio De Janeiro for years.
After fighting for 25 years, Pereira retired and focussed on coaching. The 76-year old is said to still coach Luta Livre to this day. Carlson Gracie died of heart failure in 2006, he was 73 years old at the time.
