Hugo Duarte is a former mixed martial artist, practitioner of Luta Livre, or Brazilian Catch Wrestling, and Vale Tudo specialist. Hugo Duarte was born on August 8, 1968. He was a protege of Marco Ruas. Holding a mixed record, Hugo is best known for his bizarre fight with Mark Kerr, where he completely refused to engage, and faked injuries to continually force the referee to pause the match.
Early Years Luta Livre
Hugo Duarte is also famous for his beach fight in Rio against Rickson Gracie. Hugo Duarte at the age of 20, was famously confronted by Rickson Gracie and his friends at Pepe beach in Brazil in 1988. Rickson arrived with 50 followers to the beach. This crowd included Rodrigo Vaghi and Renzo Gracie. Rickson was 30 at the time was offered a hand shake by Duarte. Rickson proceeded to slap Hugo in the face and a fight started. There were allegations that Rickson threw sand into Hugo's face. Other allegations were that jiujitsu practitioners were kicking Duarte during the fight. After the fight, Hugo Duarte went to the Gracie Academy with a number of people to confront Rickson. The result was the same with Rickson winning this time in a parking lot. They would have disdain for each other for years. The fight was taped by a few individuals including a tourist. The Gracie family would go on to market the taping of this event in their self-defense videos. The video of the fight was edited and made to show that Rickson Gracie dominated the fight, which included Duarte's knees to Rickson's body. The tape was especially used in America. Hugo would go on to coach the likes of Eugenio Tadeu.
He competed in the Heavyweight division. Hugo, Johil de Oliveira, and Eugenio Tadeu are amongst the most notable representatives of the Luta Livre style that was famous for opposing against Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the Vale Tudo events held in Brazil. Hugo had the reputation as one of the best Brazilian heavy weight fighters during his fighting era. One of his two most recognized matches was in the UFC against Tank Abbot where he lost by some heavy punches to the head region in 43 seconds, and which was refereed by Big John McCarthy. The second was in PRIDE against Mark Kerr where he stated in an interview that he had gassed out and suffered a broken foot via foot stomp from Mark Kerr. Duarte would leave the ring any time the fighters were about to engage. and his corner would throw in the towel with the fight ruled a TKO. He lost his last fight at 2H2H 1 - 2 Hot 2 Handle against Bob Schrijber on March 5, 2000. Duarte is considered to be an MMA bust despite his record. A tournament Copa Hugo Duarte is named in his honor for being key in the spreading wrestling to the Amazon.
