The last time that the UFC went to Brazil, fans were treated to a lackluster card that included a rematch no one asked for in the main event and five promotional newcomers on the main card.
At UFC 153, big-name stars Anderson Silva and Minotauro Nogueira come out to play.
Silva faces Ultimate Fighter pioneer Stephan Bonnar in a light heavyweight contest that promises to produce fireworks. Billed as a battle that can only end in a spectacular knockout or an incredible upset, there is little question that the fight is the type of battle that fans crave.
Big Nog sees action for the first time in 10 months when he meets 21-4 heavyweight Dave Herman in another brilliant stylistic matchup.
Top prospects Erick Silva and Glover Teixeira will both try to live up to their hype when they meet Jon Fitch and Fabio Maldonado, respectively. Will either man be upset, or will they contender to climb the divisional ladder?
A rematch between light heavyweight standout Phil Davis and undefeated Brazilian Wagner Prado takes place on the card, as well as an exciting welterweight matchup between exceptional grappler Demian Maia and relentless Rick Story.
Only a few days away from fight night, let’s take a look at UFC 153, including fight previews, odds and predictions for all six main-card bouts.