Author : Andre Fernandes - MMA Madness Brazil/Europe Correspondent
Date : 10-07-2007
The most controversial and hated fighting organization in the world, Rio Heroes, made its 9th event this month in Brazil. Known to be a return to the famous Brazilian Vale Tudo bloody origins, Rio Heroes is a bare knuckle organization with no time limit and almost no rules. Only the "rules of honor" apply -- no eye gouging, striking the groin or biting. With no crowd, the events are broadcast live on the Internet through a pay-per-view website which also features cock fighting and bikini girls armed with military weapons. The first editions caused a huge uproar in Brazil due to the lack of rules and the injuries the fighters sustained because they couldn't tap out. The referee, and mastermind behind it all, Rickson Gracie BJJ black belt and former Vale Tudo fighter Jorge Pereira (7-4-0), gives instructions to the athletes during the fight encouraging them to destroy and massacre their opponents, even when they are nearly unconscious on the ground. Though they now have a "low budget" cage, the first events were held in gym rooms and fighters often fought up against the walls, breaking windows and brawling through the glass. Another factor that contributed to public disapproval was the fact that fighters came from poverty and frequently stated that they were only fighting for the money. This was true even in the case of a female fighter who then proceeded to beat her male opponent.
Date : 10-07-2007
The most controversial and hated fighting organization in the world, Rio Heroes, made its 9th event this month in Brazil. Known to be a return to the famous Brazilian Vale Tudo bloody origins, Rio Heroes is a bare knuckle organization with no time limit and almost no rules. Only the "rules of honor" apply -- no eye gouging, striking the groin or biting. With no crowd, the events are broadcast live on the Internet through a pay-per-view website which also features cock fighting and bikini girls armed with military weapons. The first editions caused a huge uproar in Brazil due to the lack of rules and the injuries the fighters sustained because they couldn't tap out. The referee, and mastermind behind it all, Rickson Gracie BJJ black belt and former Vale Tudo fighter Jorge Pereira (7-4-0), gives instructions to the athletes during the fight encouraging them to destroy and massacre their opponents, even when they are nearly unconscious on the ground. Though they now have a "low budget" cage, the first events were held in gym rooms and fighters often fought up against the walls, breaking windows and brawling through the glass. Another factor that contributed to public disapproval was the fact that fighters came from poverty and frequently stated that they were only fighting for the money. This was true even in the case of a female fighter who then proceeded to beat her male opponent.
