Feb. 1, 2006: Exactly 15 years ago one of the most important masters of jiu-jitsu and MMA history was declared dead in a hospital in Chicago, putting the entire martial arts community in mourning. Carlson Gracie died due to heart failure as a result of complications of kidney stones following a hospitalization of several days.
As a fighter, Carlson was the Gracie who defended the family for the longest period. He started in 1950, but was only acknowledged by the press as Brazil 's best fighter in 1955, after avenging his uncle Helio by beating Waldemar Santana. He went on to become an absolute king, losing just once in 19 bouts until 1973.