Euclides Pereira was born in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. He trained under both Diniz Camara and Jose Jurandir Moura, becoming one of the most feared vale tudo fighters in Brazilian history. His most famous achievement was defeating Carlson Gracie — making him the only man to accomplish this feat. Known by his nickname 'O Diabo Louro' (The Blond Devil), he compiled an extraordinary undefeated record in professional vale tudo competition. He also defeated Rei Zulu by guillotine choke in 1979. He was promoted to 9th degree red belt, one of the highest ranks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His career demonstrated that world-class BJJ fighters could emerge from lineages outside the traditional Gracie academy in Rio de Janeiro.