Team Palooka sponsoring competitor for Facebook bout
Every fighter growing has one goal in their sporting life: to make it to the UFC®. Regardless of whom they fight and where, that is the dream that drives them. Brazilian featherweight Felipe “Sarantejo” Arantes (13-3-0-2) is no different.
And at UFC® 134 this weekend, not only will the 23 year-old realize his lifelong dream…he will get to do so in his home country. And that fact is not lost on him.
“Fighting in the UFC is my dream,” he explains. “I never thought my debut would be in my home country when the UFC came back to Brazil…it truly means everything to me.”
A member of the vaunted Chute Boxe team, Arantes stepped into the bout on short notice due to an injury. One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity, and the young Brazilian is intent on making that a reality in this situation.
As part of that opportunity, Felipe is also being sponsored by the brand-new MMA comic book, “Joe Palooka.” The comic series tells the story of Joe Palooka, an MMA fighter who competes in “Legion of Combat,” which is a sister comic publication.
To date, six full “Joe Palooka” comics have been written and illustrated, and are being finalized for release. “Legion of Combat” will feature Joe Palooka in team matches between fighters representing countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Russia, Japan, China, and other nations.
Each team will be headed up and funded by a famous billionaire, and the athletes will compete in locations across the globe. It’s a great opportunity for UFC® fighters to reach their fans in a whole new way. Arantes is looking to capitalize on that, as well.
“I look forward to working with Team Palooka. They are a new company, and I am a new fighter in the UFC, and it would be great for us to build their brand and my career together.”
But for now, Arantes has to get past the favored Yuri Alcantara this Saturday in front of his home crowd. Regardless of the outcome, the bout promises fireworks.
“The fans can expect an exciting fight, and to see the best Felipe ‘Sertanejo’ Arantes they have ever seen!”