5 fights to make for UFC 283 in Brazil
Reports emerged on Wednesday that the UFC will be returning to Brazil for the first time since March 14, 2020. That event was the last before the pandemic caused a number of cancelations.
Now that the promotion is able to return to one of its biggest markets after so long away, UFC 283 is sure to be a special occasion.
| THE UFC IS RETURNING TO BRAZIL. 
🚨| THE UFC IS RETURNING TO BRAZIL. 🇧🇷
#UFC283 will be held at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on January 21st, 2023.
#UFC283 #UFC #MMA https://t.co/yG32Bmvw8g
Brazil has a rich history in the sport of MMA and the UFC events that have been held there are known for the passionate, partisan crowds that elevate each fight. Naturally, you would expect a wealth of Brazilian fighters to feature on this upcoming event and there are no shortage of options on the UFC roster.
Here are five fights that the UFC should put together for their return to Brazil:
#5. Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France
Both of these men were in action on July 30 but had very different experiences inside the octagon. Alexandre Pantoja turned in arguably the best performance of his career as it took him under two minutes to race to a submission win over Alex Perez.
Alexandre Pantoja get the submission in just 91 SECONDS 🔥
Should've known he was winning after walking out to "Many Men"
(via @UFC)
https://t.co/x2lEbtCyN0
On the other hand, Kai Kara-France suffered heartbreak as he lost via TKO in the third round against Brandon Moreno with the interim flyweight title on the line. While that fight set up a title unification bout between Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo, Pantoja and Kara-France are clearly the next best in the division.
Having two of the most exciting fighters in the division compete in Pantoja's home country would be electric. Particularly as he would become the number one contender with a win. It would also be great timing to have these two compete on the same night as the flyweight title fight, but more on that later.