UFC Charlotte brings chance of redemption for Jacaré and three other Brazilians

Brunson (left) and Jacaré (right) are in the main fight of the night. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

After nine months of great uncertainty following the traumatic defeat to Robert whittaker, Ronaldo Jacare returns to the most famous octagon in the world ready to return to the top of the middleweight division. The Brazilian will be part of the main fight of the UFC Charlotte, an event that takes place in the North American city this Saturday (27), and will face an old rival: Derek Brunson. The two already met in August 2012, when they were in Strikeforce, and the Brazilian won by knockout in the first round on that occasion.

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In addition to the main fight with one of the biggest belt hopes for Brazilian MMA, the UFC Charlotte brings three other representatives of the country in the fight program. The featherweight Geoffrey Pepey faces the promising Mirsad Bektic, the strawweight Juliana Lima, the Ju Thai, measures forces with Randa markos, While Netto BJJ is looking for another victory, this time over Vinc Pinchel, in the lightweight division.

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Still in the main portion of the event, the featherweights André Fili e Dennis Bermudez fight for a greater role within the division and two duels shake up the lightweight division: the undefeated Gregor Gillespie faces Jordan Rinaldi, while Drew dober measures forces against the very dangerous Frank Camacho.

Return to top

Jacaré (left) catches Brunson (right) in Charlotte (Reproduction Twitter ufc_brasil)

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At the beginning of 2017, Ronaldo Jacare he was close to seeking a title fight. To stay active while the division unfolded, the black belt submitted Tim Boetsch and then faced Robert whittaker. However, the Brazilian ended up surprised by the Australian, who gave him a violent knockout to later win the division title. After dealing with a series of injuries, Jaca returns this Saturday (27).

And he will face an old acquaintance. Derek Brunson, at the time starting out in MMA after a career in high school wrestling, was quickly knocked out by Jacaré in August 2012. Now, however, the North American has improved exponentially, and is coming off a historic victory over the former champion Lyoto Machida, in Sao Paulo.

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If he wants to return to the top of the division and dream of a rematch with Whittaker, Jacaré will have to show that his hands are still better than Brunson's, or else put his legendary groundwork on the line to guarantee a quick victory, which puts him back in the mix for a title fight.

To maintain relevance

Pepey has a chance to rise again (Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc)

Geoffrey Pepey is one of the most famous fighters to come from TUF Brazil. However, the Thai Evolution finisher has alternated victories and defeats in his last fights and needs a great performance to stay relevant in the shark tank that the featherweight division has become. Before Mirsad Bektic, Pepey has a golden chance.

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Bektic is seen as a future challenger for the belt and has impressed with his aggression and strength. He lost his last fight to veteran Darren Elkins, but was dominating the duel after two rounds, when he ended up being caught by a high kick and a follow-up that put him out. Against Pepey, the Bosnian seeks to return to the title.

The Brazilian is the biggest underdog of the night, and this can help him fight without pressure. Also coming from behind, to Shane burgos, Pepey He also needs victory to avoid the yellow light within the UFC.

Other Brazilians

Netto seeks to maintain his unbeaten record (Photo: Reproduction Facebook/UFC)

As much as Pepey, strawweight Juliana Lima is a zebra in front of Randa markos. The Minas Gerais native is looking to establish herself within the organization once and for all, after having an irregular record since signing with the UFC. Ju Thai has six fights in the organization, with three wins and three losses and is coming off his first setback by submission, succumbing to a rear naked choke from Tecia torres. A victory over the dangerous Randa markos puts the student of the legendary Draculino on track within the division.

Joaquim Silva, o Netto BJJ, por outro lado, está invicto oficialmente no MMA, com 10 vitórias e nenhuma derrota. Mesmo assim, o brasileiro não é favorito diante de Vinc Pinchel, que tem cartel parecido – mesmo número de triunfos e uma derrota. Os dois se equivalem nas casas de apostas, mostrando o equilíbrio do duelo. Se passar pelo norte-americano, Netto BJJ assinala sua quarta vitória no Ultimate e já poderá sonhar com voos mais altos.