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This fight is too big to pass up.

Vitor hasn't done anything much bigger and better things realistically than Wanderlei recently. Wanderlei beat Rich Franklin, as did Vitor, and he also beat Bisping, who is ranked far higher than anyone that Vitor has beaten in years.

They have both wound their way back to the UFC after all these years. The first fight ended so abruptly and was the last decisive loss that Wanderlei had before his legendary run in Pride. The First fight happened the last time that the UFC went to Brazil, and now that they are both at 185, the timing is perfect for the rematch.

In my opinion, there are a few things that the UFC shouldn't allow to pass up for this Rio card.

1. At least one big Brazilian title fight.
2. An exciting fight for the most famous fighter in Brazil, Vitor Belfort
3. A fight for the two greatest Brazilian champions of all time, Nogueira and Wanderlei.
4. A rematch from the first Ultimate Japan.
5. At least one Gracie on the card.

They can kill three of these birds with one stone by putting together a Wanderlei vs Vitor II in Rio.

Clouis, for# 5 I read they may do a 1 fight deal with royce (who hasn't fought since 2007)

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 12:02 PM ET  03.17 by SJ Pete

Clouis, for# 5 I read they may do a 1 fight deal with royce (who hasn't fought since 2007)

I had read about that as well.

I think that there are better options for them now though. They have Renzo under contract still, and now they can maybe even finagle a deal with Roger if they can use up his last fight in SF before then.

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 04:03 PM ET  03.17 by JimJ77 Can't make it up

Leben vs Wandy. Belfort vs Bisprick.

I like both of those. The first would be a slugfest and the second would hopefully see belfort demolish bisping.

Dana wants it so Roni doesn't. Shocker.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 07:31 PM ET  03.17 by YODA

Dana wants it so Roni doesn't. Shocker.

Just kidding, Roni. It's a fair point about Wandi. He's a ghost of his former self. Vitor would be a heavy fave.

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 04:03 PM ET  03.17 by JimJ77 Can't make it up

Leben vs Wandy. Belfort vs Bisprick.

Those work as well.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 11:31 AM ET  03.17 by Clouis_39

2. An exciting fight for the most famous fighter in Brazil, Vitor

Most famous fighter in Brazil? I'd say distant #2 at best.

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 07:38 PM ET  03.17 by YODA

Most famous fighter in Brazil? I'd say distant #2 at best.

Vitor is the most famous fighter in Brazil, by a wide margin.

You've got to remember, not only is he popular there as a fighter, he is also married to a supermodel and was on a reality TV series there. He is also a posterboy, he is all over the place there.

Most Brazilian reporters are saying that Vitor is so popular there, that the UFC would be crazy not to put him on the card.

I am with C on this one.
it is strange that guys like Nog's or Wandi are almost unknown in Brazil, but it is true. Obviously with the globalization and dissemination of MMA, they are having more exposure now in Brazil. it is not uncommon to see at least one MMA fighter invited to a talk show in Brazil. And since most revere Nog and Wandi, they are busy guys. But Vitor is IMO the most famous for all that happened to him. His sister's kidnapping, the reality show he was part of, and he even was part of his wife's photo shoot for Playboy...
So he is the most famous, even though the reasons are not at all related to MMA...

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:40 AM ET  03.19 by Clouis_39

Vitor is the most famous fighter in Brazil, by a wide margin.You've got to remember, not only is he popular there as a fighter, he is also married to a supermodel and was on a reality TV series there. He is also a posterboy, he is all over the place there.Most Brazilian reporters are saying that Vitor is so popular there, that the UFC would be crazy not to put him on the card.

Most popular maybe, but who is the most talented fighter...?

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 07:31 PM ET  03.19 by Assassin: Simile Next year

Most popular maybe, but who is the most talented fighter...?

Talented? nowadays? I think it's a tie between Aldo & Anderson Silva

but talent (not matter the moment) are many. All Gracie family, Nog's, Wandi..... there's no lack of talent for MMA in Brazil