Rickson Gracie and Casemiro ‘Rei Zulu’ Nascimento Martins engaged in two highly competitive matches in the early 1980s that helped launch Rickson’s career and raise his profile across Brazil. The first fight occurred in 1980 when Rickson was just 21 years old, which was not unusual for members of the Gracie family, while Rei Zulu had significantly more experience as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Rei Zulu was purportedly undefeated in over 200 Vale Tudo fights leading up to his match with Rickson and though most cannot be verified, he had established himself as a skilled and resilient fighter in Brazil.
Rei Zulu also weighed more than Rickson when they entered the ring in Brasilia, though their exact weights were not recorded.
The match started well for Rickson as he struck Zulu and made him lose a tooth, but the giant fighter spat out the tooth like it was nothing. The next few minutes were very hard for Rickson.
At the end of the first round, Rickson went back in his corner totally exhausted and told his father Helio Gracie, that he wanted to quit. Helio pretended not to hear him and at that moment, Rickson’s brother Rorion threw ice water on his face waking him up.
Helio told him to continue and that Zulu was also tired.
Regardless, Rickson prevailed by submitting Rei Zulu in the second round of their first bout, elevating both himself and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
After competing against talented practitioners of various styles, the men agreed to a rematch in Rio de Janeiro’s famed Maracanazinho arena in front of approximately 20,000 fans.
The second fight was lengthier than the first and surrounded by controversy, as both committed fouls—Rei Zulu attempted eye gouging and Rickson delivered a low blow. Outside the ring, Rei Zulu alleged the Gracie family changed the rules one hour prior while Rickson claimed his opponent oiled himself, hindering grappling. However, such controversy was commonplace in 1980s Vale Tudo matches. Ultimately, Rickson emerged victorious once more by rear-naked choke in both matches, concluding their rivalry. Rickson then competed under early BJJ rulesets and coached others to success before retiring as one of the sport’s pioneering greats.
Rickson talks about the whole experience here:
Watch the remastered match:
