UFC Back to Brazil

A report by Gracie Magazine indicates the UFC might finally be returning to Brazil in November 2011 -- a full 13 years after their first and only trip under the direction of previous owners SEG. While settling in the birthplace of modern MMA and pioneers like the Gracies seems like a no-brainer, Brazil’s attitude toward the sport it helped create is complicated.

Following the UFC’s success in the mid-1990s, copycats began springing up with regularity. Both the IVC and WVC had reputations for bloodshed thanks to headbutts and bare knuckles; athletes of the era were often so poorly conditioned that fights sometimes ended due to fatigue rather than punishment. Still, several stars came out of the program, including Wanderlei Silva and Mark Kerr.

By the time MMA had received a portion of mainstream acceptance from 2005-on, Brazil had neither the interest nor the resources to host huge fights. One solution was to stream a return to the bloody brawls of the 1990s; Rio Heroes quickly became something of a cult attraction inside of a cult attraction. Police reportedly intervened in 2007, shutting down the “event” due to suspicions over illegal betting. Political inference followed a brawl at a subsequent show.

While that furor has since quieted down, the UFC has issues to resolve over a traditionally poor economy in the country. $400 ringside seats will not get quite the same reception there as in Las Vegas. That might mean a more financially conservative show as a result.

Still, it’s always seemed odd that the sport has lacked a more significant presence there. In light of all the talent it’s shipped to the UFC, it’s only fair the organization gives them something in return.