On Oct. 16, 1998, in between UFC 17 and 18, there was a little event entitled “UFC: Ultimate Brazil” that took place at the Ginasio da Portuguesa in São Paulo, Brazil. It was the UFC’s first visit to the country.
Current UFC Brazilian fighters Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort fought on that card. It was Silva’s UFC debut.
It has now been confirmed, thirteen years following that event, the Ultimate Fighting Championship plans to return to Brazil in 2011.
There are also plans for an all-Brazilian version of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show.
Brazilian fighters have always been a part of the UFC, and they should have absolutely no trouble filling a house full of talent.
Brazilian MMA site Tatame reported the news on Friday.