Rani Yahya faces Chad Mendes at UFC 133

Rani Yaya - Photo: MMA Junkie

The Brazilian Rani Yaya will return to the most famous octagon in the world at UFC 133. Having recovered from a neck injury, the athlete will have his second fight in the organization when facing the North American Chad Mendes on August 6, in the United States, in a fight valid for the featherweight category.

Yahya arrived at Ultimate after the organization's merger with the extinct WEC. Coming from two consecutive defeats in his career, the tough guy debuted at UFC Fight for the Troops 2, where he beat American Mike Brown by unanimous decision from the judges last January. It is worth noting that of the 16 victories that Yahya has on his record, 14 of them were achieved by submission.

Mendes was already being speculated as the next challenger for the UFC featherweight belt, which is currently held by Brazilian José Aldo. But as the champion will only be able to fight next September, the American will try to increase his unbeaten run of ten fights in his career when facing Yahya.

In his most recent engagement, Mendes defeated the Japanese Michihiro Omigawa by unanimous decision of the judges at UFC 126, an edition that took place last February and marked the athlete's debut in the organization.

In addition to Yahya, UFC 133 will also feature the participation of three other Brazilians. Are they: Vitor belfort, Rogério Minotouro e Rafael Sapo. Check out the fights already scheduled on the show's card below:

Phil Davis x Rashad evans

Yoshihiro Akiyama x Vitor belfort

Rich Franklin x Rogério “Minotouro” Nogueira

John hendricks x Mike Pierce

Jorge Rivera x Alessio Sakara

Alexander Gustafson x Vladimir Matyushenko

Mike Brown x Nam Phan

Chad Mendes x Rani Yaya

Ivan Menjivar x Nick Pace

Brian Ebersole x Dennis Hallman

Riki Fukuda x Rafael “Sapo” Natal