The Mixed Martial Art explosion in Brazil shows no sign of letting up as Rio gets ready to host its third high-profile UFC event in just over 12 months. Dana White's brand is embracing its new-found status on these shores thanks to the likes of middleweight champion Anderson Silva, who once again has stepped in to save the day just as October's card looked to be flailing as a result of injuries and pull-outs.
Ticket prices are predictably out of reach for the average fight fan, but Silva and a fellow Brazilian, the enormous Rodrigo 'The Minotaur' Nogueira, will no doubt ensure a sell out crowd at HSBC Arena.
The full card for UFC Rio III:
Main card:
Anderson Silva vs Stephan Bonnar
Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira vs Dave Herman
Glover Teixeira vs Fabio Maldonado
Jon Fitch vs Erick Silva
Phil Davis vs Wagner “Caldeirão” Prado
Demian Maia vs Rick Story
Preliminary card:
Rony Jason vs Sam Sicilia
Gabriel “Napão” Gonzaga vs Geronimo “Mondragon” dos Santos
Diego Brandão vs Joey Gambino
Francisco "Massaranduba" Trinaldo vs Gleison Tibau
Sergio Moraes vs Renee Forte
Luiz “Banha” Cane vs Chris Camozzi
Cristiano Marcello vs Reza Madadi