Viva Brazil, indeed.
The South American country that hosted UFC 134: "Silva vs. Okami" back on Aug. 27 in Rio de Janiero, which was a smashing success by all standards, is about to get some more good, good loving from the world's largest fight promotion.
That's because UFC President Dana White has confirmed (via Sherdog) that his organization is headed south sooner rather than later:
"Yes, the UFC will head back to Brazil by January, and we're already working on the next UFC Rio. [UFC CEO] Lorenzo [Fertitta] has been traveling around Brazil over the last few weeks to discuss this kind of question. We're running against time to set the lineup and final details."
If that seems like a hasty turnaround, that's because it is. Matchmaker Joe Silva will have to earn his paycheck by booking an entire fight card in just two months time.
Crazier things have happened.
Another major event isn't the only plan in place for Brazil. No, the fifth largest country in the world -- and a hotbed for mixed martial arts -- is getting the first international edition of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
"It's a done deal," White revealed yesterday (via MMA Fighting). Let me tell you what, if you're a UFC fan, you want FUEL. FUEL's going to be loaded with all kinds of UFC programming including live fights, and live fights from other countries."
Indeed, the recently signed deal with FOX kicks in come January and UFC is obviously scrambling to fill its various channels with top level programming.
Dana White said he was a busy bee. He wasn't lying.
There are still a large number of homes that don't get FUEL as a part of its cable subscription package but the UFC is doing what it can to quickly convert non-subscribers.
And bringing TUF to Brazil is just one way of doing so.
The future is bright for UFC fans and fighters alike. Foreign and domestic, big things are coming in 2012, Manaics.
Ready?
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