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The third trip to Brazil proved to be a fruitful one for the UFC, thanks to an awesome main event and a bunch of rowdy fans. The event also featured the crowning of the first two UFC Ultimate Fighter Brazil champions in both the featherweight and middleweight divisions. Also, a heavyweight contender continues his meteoric rise and a Strikeforce veteran made a great UFC debut.
Round One: An Ace In the Hole
The rematch between Rich franklin and Wanderlei Silva proved to be even more exciting than their original encounter. Despite the destruction done to Rich franklin by Wanderlei Silva in the second round, the man known as “Ace†still got the decision in his favor. Rich franklin again saved the UFC by taking this fight on short notice following the injury to Vitor Belfort. Despite suffering a close decision defeat to Rich Franklin, one must start wondering what Wanderlei Silva has left in the tank.
Next Round For Rich Franklin: Alan Belcher, Michael Bisping or Brian Stann
Next Round For Wanderlei Silva: Vitor Belfort
Round Two: The First TUF Brazil Middleweight Champion Is…
Cezar Ferreira, who won an exciting three round clash with late replacement fighter Sergio Moraes, who showed an excellent striking game. Sergio Moraes was a late replacement for Daniel Sarafian, who was pulled from the fight after suffering an injury. Sergio Moraes now finds himself, thanks to his great performance, most likely getting another opportunity in the UFC. While Cezar Ferreira is considered the first ever TUF Brazil Middleweight Champion, it will be interesting to see what happens when he fights an eventually returning Daniel Sarafian.
Next Round For Cezar Ferreira: Daniel Sarafian
Next Round For Sergio Moraes: Clifford Starks, Caio Magalhaes or Francisco Drinaldo
Round Three: The First TUF Brazil Featherweight Champion Is…
Rony Bezerra, who outpointed Godofredo De Oliveira in a less than stellar encounter to become the TUF Brazil Featherweight Champion. While it looked like Rony Bezerra was willing to engage his opponent on the feet, Godofredo De Oliveira continuously pulled guard on his rival. This fight was even disliked by UFC president Dana White, who showed his anger during the post event press conference. Either way, Rony Bezerra is not only first TUF Brazil Featherweight Champion, but the first TUF Brazil Champion in UFC history.
Next Round For Rony Bezerra: Hacran Dias, Yuri Alcantara or Maximo Blanco
Next Round For Godofredo De Oliveira: Wagner Campos, Joey Gambino or Antonio Carvalho
Round Four: Officer Down! Officer Down!
Mike Russow is now doubt an outstanding Chicago Police Office, but he did not have the skills to defeat Fabricio Werdum on Saturday Night. Fabricio Werdum again showed his vastly improved striking game to floor Mike Russow with strikes in the opening round. This victory now moves Fabricio Werdum near the top of the list of UFC Heavyweight Title contenders. Credit must be given to Mike Russow as well, who competes in the UFC while maintaining a position as a full time police officer.
Next Round For Fabricio Werdum: Alistair Overeem, Frank Mir or Shane Carwin
Next Round For Mike Russow: Dave Herman, Lavar Johnson or Shane Del Rosario
Round Five: A Damm Good Victory
Rodrigo Damm previously competed in Strikeforce before becoming a contestant on the UFC Ultimate Fighter Brazil. While in Strikeforce, Rodrigo Damm did not really excite anybody after losses to both Gilbert Melendez and Justin Wilcox. With that being said, Rodrigo Damm really needed to impress in order to keep himself viable on the big stage. That goal was accomplished on Saturday Night as Rodrigo Damm choked out Anistavio Medeiros in the first round of their fight.
Next Round For Rodrigo Damm: Stephen Bass, Yuri Alcantara or Robbie Peralta
Next Round For Anistavio Medeiros: John Teixeira, Hugo Viana or Dustin Neace
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