Just when it looked like it was smooth sailing for light heavyweight Fabio Maldonado, an injury has forced him from Saturday’s UFC 142 event in Rio, prompting the cancellation of his bout against Caio Magalhaes. The bout will not be replaced, and the card will go on with 10 fights.
Fight Card Back Up to Speed for Rio updated December 20
After a rash of injuries to the fighters on the UFC 142 card, the Rio event’s lineup is back in fighting shape with the announcement an additional replacement. UFC president Dana White confirmed today that undefeated Brazilian Caio Magalhaes will make his UFC debut against uber-tough Fabio Maldonado. Magalhaes replaces light heavyweight Stanisilav Nedkov.
Familiar Faces Return for UFC 142 updated December 17
With injuries hitting the UFC 142 card in Brazil on January 14th, three familiar faces from Zuffa’s recent past have verbally agreed to return to the Octagon.
In heavyweight action, former world title challenger Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga will resume his UFC career when he replaces Rob Broughton against newcomer Ednaldo Oliveira.
Plus, Gonzaga’s stablemate, welterweight Ricardo Funch, steps in for Paulo Thiago against veteran Mike Pyle, and former WEC standout Carlo Prater will face Erick Silva in another welterweight bout, as Siyar Bahadurzada‘s debut has been postponed due to injury.
Stanislav Nedkov has also been forced out of his light heavyweight bout against Fabio Maldonado a new opponent for Maldonado will be named shortly.
Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Pyle Plus Heavyweights at 142
updated November 29
Skilled contenders Paulo Thiago and Mike Pyle will meet in a welterweight battle, as “Quicksand” will enter Thiago’s home territory at UFC 142.
A heavyweight bout on the undercard completes the Brazil card’s lineup, as undefeated Brazilian Ednaldo Oliveira has agreed to make his UFC debut against the U.K’s Rob “The Bear” Broughton.
UFC 142’s Featherweight Feast Continues updated November 24
Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes won’t be the only featherweights showing off the division at UFC </a>142 in Brazil on January 14th, as UFC President Dana White announced two verbally agreed to bouts for the highly anticipated card: a clash between Yuri Alcantara and Michihiro Omigawa, and a battle pitting Felipe Arantes against debuting Antonio Carvalho.
Two Powerhouses to Lock Horns in Brazil
Verbal agreements are in for a matchup between powerful wrestler Mike “The Master of Disaster” Massenzio and Brazilian leg-locking machine Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares at UFC 142 January 14, announced UFC president Dana White today.
Bahadurzada-E.Silva, Maldonado-Nedkov added to UFC 142 updated November 14
January’s UFC </a>142 event has gotten a jot with two more explosive matchups that will put Brazilian fans on their feet from start to finish.
First up, highly-touted Siyar Bahadurzada enters the Octagon for the first time to face Erick Silva, who stopped Luis Ramos in 40 seconds in his own debut in August.
“Verbal agreements are in for the UFC debut of Shooto champion Siyar Bahadurzada January 14th in Brazil,” said UFC President Dana White. “He will be taking on Jungle Fight champion Erick Silva, who looked spectacular in his UFC debut in August.”
Plus, light heavyweight sluggers Fabio Maldonado and Stanislav Nedkov have also verbally agreed to meet in Brazil to kick off their 2012 campaigns.
Tavares vs. Stout, Barboza vs. Etim Headed to Brazil
Two lightweight wars between fan favorites have been slated for the UFC’s return to Brazil in January.
A pair of fighters known for their exciting performances have verbally agreed to meet as Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout will take on Brazil’s Thiago Tavares. Both men are coming off of impressive finishes – Stout scored Knockout of the Night in the first round of UFC 131, while Tavares TKOd Spencer Fisher in the second at UFC Rio.
Additionally, Terry Etim will follow up his 17-second UFC 138 Submission of the Night blitz with a bout against another UFC Rio winner. “Get ready for fireworks as verbal agreements are in for a matchup featuring two of the best strikers in the lightweight division: Terry Etim takes on Edson Barboza at UFC 142,” said UFC president Dana White.
Belfort vs. Rumble Announced for UFC’s Return to Brazil updated November 1
A second Brazilian mega-star is set to fight at home at UFC 142. “Verbal agreements in for what should be an explosive matchup as powerhouse Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson moves up to middleweight to face ‘The Phenom’ Vitor Belfort at the event,” UFC president Dana White said.
Aldo to Defend Title in Brazil updated October 31
After the success of UFC Rio in August, UFC officials promised that they would stage another event in the country as soon as possible. That return has now been confirmed as UFC 142, to be held January 14 in a to-be-named Brazilian city.
Besides the date, a title-fight main event was also confirmed.
Pound-for-pound superstar Jose Aldo will fight in Brazil for the first time since 2007 when he defends his UFC featherweight title against unbeaten powerhouse Chad Mendes.
Read more about the matchup on Fox Sports.