It's official! UFC announces return to Brazil with event in Rio de Janeiro in October

Ultimate promoted UFC Rio at Christ the Redeemer (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

PUBLICITY:

It's now official: the UFC will return to Brazil in 2015. In an announcement made via social media last Wednesday (30), the organization confirmed the holding of a 'Fight Night' event on October 11th at the Farmasi Arena, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Those interested in attending the next edition of UFC Rio can now register on the organization's official website to purchase pre-sale tickets.

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Although no fights have yet been officially announced by the organization, UFC Rio, which has been speculated about for several months, already has two duels lined up: in the heavyweight division, Jhonata Diniz is expected to face the undefeated Portuguese fighter Mario Pinto , according to initial reports from 'MMA Fighting', while in the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg), Lucas 'Fenômeno' is expected to face Australian Stewart Nicoll , according to information from 'Ag Fight'.

The main fight is the big unknown at UFC Rio

With two fights well underway on the card, the excitement is high as to who will headline the night. So far, the UFC hasn't revealed any plans for the main event, keeping the mystery surrounding who will headline the show in Rio de Janeiro.

Since it's a Fight Night , it's unlikely the card will feature a title fight. Therefore, the main event is likely to be headlined by a rising Brazilian fighter or a veteran already established in the organization.

One of the most highly regarded fighters initially was lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) Maurício Ruffy, undefeated in the UFC, but the Fighting Nerds protégé has been signaling on social media that he may be part of the UFC Paris card , scheduled for September — a month before the event in Rio — which practically rules out his participation in the Rio edition.

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