Valdemar Santana

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Valdemar Santana (sometimes referred to as Adema Santa) was a Brazilian fighter, who trained in Capoeira under Mestre Bimba and also in Judo, boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is famous for defeating his former master Hélio Gracie in 1955, in a 3 hour 40 minute long match. Valdemar had fought for the Gracie academy for many years but had a falling out with Hélio Gracie. Gracie and Santana decided to settle their differences on a Vale Tudo (no holds barred) match. After nearly four hours of combat, Santana struck Gracie with a kick to the head. Gracie passed out from the blow and Santana was awarded victory by KO. After defeating Hélio, Santana was challenged by Carlson Gracie, Hélio's nephew. Carlson and Santana had four fights, with Carlson winning two, and the other two being declared a draw.