UFC Sao Paulo has just wrapped up, and the card was headlined by the main event featuring Jailton Almeida defeating Derrick Lewis via unanimous decision. The event featured some of the most vicious knockouts in fight night history. UFC Senior VP of International Operations and Content, David Shaw, interacted with the media post-event and made some interesting points about the event.
According to Shaw, the sold-out event had the largest attendance for a UFC event in Sao Paulo history, with 10,792. Before this fight, UFC Fight Night 77: Belfort vs. Henderson 3 had an attendance of 10,628 in Sao Paulo. Furthermore, the Fight Night 231 card featured a total of 4 KOs and no submissions.
Attendance: 10,792 (Sold out, largest attendance for a UFC event in Sao Paulo history)
Fight of the Night:
Dalby vs. BonfimPerformance bonuses:
Petrino, Brener— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 5, 2023
The fight of the night honors, along with the $50,000 bonus, went to welterweights Nicolas Dalby and Gabriel Bonfirm. In the match, Nicolas Dalby made a big comeback after taking a lot of beating from Bonfirm with a knee and some punches to finish the match. Furthermore, the performance of the night bonus of $50,000 was given to both Vitor Petrino and Elves Brener for two of the most vicious KO’s of the night.
UFC has big plans for Brazil in 2024
According to David Shaw, the UFC has some really big plans for Brazil in 2024. After the success of this event, the MMA giants are planning to have at least two major PPVs in Brazil in the coming year. Furthermore, Brazil is the only South American country that they are focusing on right now.
The two PPVs planned for Brazil can potentially take place in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill was the most recent PPV to take place in Rio de Janeiro. While the news is not concrete, it is a good sign for all the UFC fans in Brazil.
Shaw says that the UFC have no plans to visit other South American countries at the moment that he can share, but they are being discussed on an ongoing basis.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 5, 2023
Furthermore, Shaw discussed the much-awaited rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. He said that there is no particular date confirmed for the rematch, but it is expected to take place early next year. If we read between the lines, it is quite possible that the rematch can happen in Oliveira’s home country of Brazil.
Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev full fight. pic.twitter.com/3q6MDCZ6tv
— CLIPS (@yourclipss) November 4, 2023
Their first match at UFC 280 happened on Islam’s home turf, Abu Dhabi, so it is only fair that the rematch happens in Brazil. It will be interesting to see the location when this match is officially announced by the UFC. What was your favorite moment from the event? Let us know in the comments below.