The UFC is set to return to Rio de Janeiro for a Fight Night event on October 11, featuring a heavyweight bout between Jhonata Diniz and Mario Pinto, marking its first non-pay-per-view event in the city since 2015.
The UFC hasn’t officially announced its return to Rio de Janeiro for a Fight Night on October 11. However, insiders have confirmed that heavyweights Jhonata Diniz and Mario Pinto are set to clash on that date.
This event marks the UFC’s first trip back to Brazil since May 2024. That last event featured a thrilling main event with Alexandre Pantoja facing Steve Erceg at Rio’s Farmasi Arena. It’s also the first non-pay-per-view event in the city since Demian Maia battled Ryan LaFlare in 2015.
Diniz, boasting a 9-1 record, recently bounced back with a decision win over Alvin Hines at UFC 317. This was after a tough loss to Marcin Tybura due to a doctor stoppage in November 2024.
A Contender Series standout, Diniz has a 3-1 record in the UFC. His debut was electrifying, with a knockout against Austen Lane, followed by a decision win over Karl Williams.
On the other side, Portugal’s Mario Pinto, undefeated at 10-0, made a statement with a knockout over Lane in his first UFC bout. This came after a contract-winning knockout against Lucas Camacho at Dana White’s Contender Series.