Carlson Gracie, Sr., considered in Brazil as the greatest fighter in the world during the 50s and 60s, passed away earlier today. He was 72.
He was in rough shape last night after passing a kidney stone and was found to be suffering from a liver infection.
After Helio Gracie suffered a broken arm in his final fight against a younger Brazilian in the late 50s, younger brother Carlson avenged that defeat and defeated many others to earn the symbolic claim as the toughest fighter.
He is the uncle of Renzo, Ryan, Ralph Gracie, Royce, Rickson and Royler Gracie, among others. His only son, Carlson Gracie, Jr., was an early MMA competitor. Carlson had run the Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy in Chicago and was the coach of Stephan Bonnar.
He was also the original coach for the Brazilian Top Team, which included the Nogueira Brothers, Murilo Bustamante, Mario Sperry, Ricardo Almeida and Vitor Belfort.
