With the number of Brazilians at the top of the MMA world, it is inevitable that compatriots from the country face off in the top-flight of the sport. Thus, it comes as no surprise word is that the UFC has matched Ricardo “Cachorrão” (Big Dog in Portuguese) against Thiago Pitbull.
Much speculation regarding the “dogfight” has surfaced in the media, although no official information confirming it has been released by the UFC. The matchup is tipped to take place at the March-27 UFC 111 show, in New Jersey. Both athletes are coming off injuries.
Set for the same day are two title bouts. Georges St.-Pierre is set to defend his welterweight title against Dan Hardy, while it has been reported that Frank Mir should face Shane Carwin for an interim heavyweight title belt, as current champion Brock Lesnar is sidelined indefinitely due to illness.
Minotouro out with injury
Rogério Minotouro was preparing for his second UFC outing, against Brandon Vera. The bout was set to take place February 6 in Las Vegas, at Ultimate Fighting Championship 109. However, Minoto suffered an ankle injury and has been pulled from the card. Alleviating the fighters’ disappointment is the fact that both train at partner teams, even training together at times.
Stay tuned to GRACIEMAG.com for further news on the UFC