It’s Brazil vs the world in this Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this August 27, 2011. It will mark the long-awaited return of the UFC to Brazil after thirteen years. The main events are Silva vs Okami and Griffin vs Rua.
SILVA vs OKAMI
It’s a homecourt advantage for Anderson Silva, the current UFC middleweight champion. It is a hostile territory for the challenger – no.1 contender Yushin Okami. The two have faced each other before, in Hawaii’s 2006 Rumble on the Rock tournament, with Okami winning by disqualification. Silva protested but to no avail. He went on to win thirteen consecutive fights, and became the longest reigning UFC champion after that.
GRIFFIN vs RUA
In their previous encounter in 2007, Griffin was the underdog, while Rua was a champion in waiting. But the American seized every opportunity and caught Rua via choke in the third round. This 2011, the two have become different fighters. Rua, though coming from a title loss against Jon Jones, will have the crowd behind his back. If he fights like the way he demolished Lyoto Machida, then it will be another title shot for him.
RESULTS PREDICTION
I do think that it will be the Brazilians dominating this event. Silva and Rua have the capabilities to dominate their respective opponents.
WHY BRAZIL?
It’s a wonder why it took so long for UFC to return to this country considered to be the homeland of many UFC superstars. Consider this: The UFC sold out UFC 134: Rio in 74 minutes. It is a clear indication that MMA can succeed in this country and that they should be there more often. Mixed martial arts is ingrained in their culture. MMA fans know what a Brazilian jiu-jitsu is, and they know that Gracie, Machida, Silva, Nogueira, Rua have their roots in Brazil. Gone are the days of Japan’s dominance. So, Brazil is no longer just about samba and football.
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