Mayor of Manaus talks with UFC partner, Lorenzo Fertitta, in Las Vegas. Photo: Disclosure
The UFC could land in a new Brazilian city next year. The City Hall of Manaus, capital of Amazonas, confirmed to the SUPER FIGHTS which received the “green light” from Ultimate to hold an event in the first half of 2016, after a meeting held in Las Vegas (USA), last Friday (22).
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The meeting, at the headquarters of Zuffa, owner of the UFC, involved the city's mayor, Arthur Virgílio Neto, and Lorenzo Fertitta, a partner of the North American organization. During the two hours of conversation, it was decided that the city will receive, within 30 days, the specifications with the UFC's demands. Next, Ultimate representatives will go to the city to evaluate possible locations for the event, so that the attraction can be officially confirmed.
According to the city hall, there are two places where fight night can be held. The first of them is the Arena Amazônia, opened last year for the Football World Cup and which has a capacity for more than 40 thousand people. Another alternative is the Amadeu Teixeira Gymnasium, which is part of the stadium complex and can accommodate around 11 thousand spectators.
Furthermore, there are two dates defined for the UFC in Brazilian territory in the first half of 2016, but City Hall has not yet been informed which of them would be occupied by Manaus.
Event would not rely on public money
Aldo (photo) is Manaus' main representative in MMA. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
If Manaus' plans were to actually come to fruition, the event would not have financial investments from public resources. 9ine, a sports marketing company founded by former football player Ronaldo Fenômeno, will bear the logistics costs. Ronaldo himself, who went to Las Vegas to watch the Vitor belfort, his agent, at UFC 187, participated in the meeting with the mayor and Fertitta.
Virgílio Neto celebrated the progress of the negotiations, which could finally put the city on the UFC route, an old desire. “Manaus shows that it is increasingly capable and recognized throughout the world. UFC directors had already gone to Amazonas before the World Cup, but now it is a different time. We already have experience in major events and the green light has been given. It's important to say that we won't have public money involved in this, as 9ine is hosting the event. They are betting on Manaus. We will only provide the city with logistical support”, highlighted the mayor.
The UFC has fighters on its roster who have a relationship with Manaus. The main one is José Aldo, the organization's featherweight champion, who was born in the city. In addition, they also represent the capital of Amazonas Ronaldo Jacare, Adriano Martins, Alan Nuguette, Diego Brandao, Among others.
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