The Weekly Wrap: Jan. 24 - Jan. 30

Helio Gracie dies

The sport lost one of its truly seminal figures this week, as Helio Gracie, who in many ways is the father of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu practiced today in mixed martial arts, died at 95. He was admitted to a Rio de Janeiro hospital for stomach problems this week and died Thursday. Helio’s son Royler told Sherdog.com that Helio had contracted pneumonia recently. He was buried in a low-key ceremony Friday in Brazil, where a black belt was placed on his coffin.

Helio Gracie is the father of some of the most internationally famous jiu-jitsu exponents to ever step into the ring, including Royce and Rickson Gracie. His son Rorion essentially created the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993 with designs on showcasing the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu, which had proved superior against other martial arts in several legendary showdowns in Brazilian gyms. The contemplative Helio also made several unforgettable cameos at ringside during some of Royce Gracie’s biggest fights, standing stern-faced during his historic losses to Kazushi Sakuraba and Matt Hughes.