During a slow Memorial Day weekend for MMA in the U.S., Brazilian events like LFA, Thunder Fight, Jungle Fight, Brasil Grand Champion, and SFT showcased rising prospects and veteran fighters with notable performances, including Aieza Bertolso’s submission win, Joseilton Santos’ knockout, and controversial outcomes like the overturned no-contest for Guilherme Alves.
Memorial Day weekend was a bit of a lull for MMA fans in the U.S., with no UFC or PFL events on the horizon. But fear not! There was plenty of action in the world of MMA brasileiro.
LFA’s latest event in Brazil took place at a swanky resort in Cuiaba. Rising strawweight star Aieza Bertolso, a two-time IMMAF world champ, extended her winning streak to 20. She clinched a third-round submission victory over ONE veteran Samara Santos, making her 6-0 as a pro with four finishes.
Later, Fighting Nerds welterweight Reginaldo Junior delivered an 88-second knockout against Gilberto Sousa. With four consecutive wins, including three first-round finishes, he’s on fire! Meanwhile, Juan Pablo Vieira improved to 9-0 overall with a slick first-round armbar victory.
In the co-main event, Joseilton Santos crushed Carlos Petruzzella with a devastating right hand. Making his debut in the promotion, he’s definitely turning heads.
On the early prelims, Neto Lopes wowed the crowd with a spinning wheel kick, leaving Lucas Farias unconscious. Lopes is now 4-0 with a perfect finishing rate. Matheus Severino, brother of UFC vet Igor Severino, snagged his 14th pro victory with a first-round knockout.
Thunder Fight in Sao Paulo featured veteran Jorge Patino “Macaco” who quickly dispatched Clayton Monteiro. The co-main event saw Caio Machado return with a knockout win, while Israeli fighter Sean Pero scored a head-kick victory.
Ryan Butantan, representing Chute Boxe, impressed with a slick kneebar, under the watchful eye of cornerman Charles Oliveira.
Jungle Fight 136 in Sao Paulo had its share of drama. Laura Vasconcelos defended her strawweight title, and Vanderlei Gonçalves unified the welterweight titles. A controversial flyweight bout ended in a no-contest after an illegal knee was caught on replay.
Manuela Vitoria made a successful pro debut with a body kick that left Lara Gouterres reeling.
Chingis Idrissov, a Pitbull Brothers protégé, debuted with a first-round TKO at Brasil Grand Champion 5. The event was packed with violent finishes from Rodrigo Araujo, Kleybson Costa, and Everson Souza.
SFT 56 in Brasilia featured two title fights. Irwing Machado defended his belt with a first-round knockout, while Bianca Sattelmayer claimed the vacant strawweight belt in a five-round decision.
The undercard was electrifying, with Elismar Lima securing a quick victory, and Wildemar Santos forcing a tap-out in under three minutes. Raul Soares and Altamiro Neto also delivered impressive knockouts.
So, while the U.S. scene was quiet, Brazil kept the MMA fire burning bright!