From Rivals to Friends: Hugo Duarte, Renzo Gracie Become Business Partners in U.S.
Rivals for over three decades — even considering themselves to be fierce enemies — Hugo Duarte and Renzo Gracie are now partners at a gym in the United States.
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Renzo and Hugo were on opposite sides in three highly significant clashes of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu vs. Luta Livre rivalry. Renzo stood with the Gracie side in the conflicts between Hugo and Rickson: one at Pepê Beach, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, and another one a week later when Hugo sought a rematch and gathered over 50 students to invade the Gracie academy. At Pentagon Combat in 1997, Renzo faced Eugênio Tadeu and Hugo was in the Luta Livre representative’s corner. The event ended in a brawl that led to the banning of MMA in Rio de Janeiro.
After many, many years of rivalry, a friendship emerged from this war between representatives of Luta Livre and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, when they met at the ceremony for the Brazilian sidewalk Hall of Fame in 2019, where both received honors. One year later Hugo went to a Renzo’s biography book autograph session and the friendship was sealed.
Known as the general of Luta Livre for his leadership ahead of the style, Hugo and most top Luta Livre practitioners have always been recognized for their excellent heel hook, footlock and leglock attacks since 80s and 90s. Today, with the evolution of grappling in U.S. and the consecration of Gordon Ryan as new king of the sport, Duarte’s knowledge will certainly be useful for America’s new generation.
"I'm shocked. Renzo Gracie here is like a religion. People wear his shirt on the streets. The world turns around, a rival turned into a great friend,” Hugo said. “Renzo is such a unique person. We stayed here together for six days and it looks like we are close friends for 30 years. I’m really happy to begin a new stage in my life and it will be a pleasure to share my knowledge with American fans.”
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