The UFC transformed Copacabana Beach, one of the postcards of the city of Rio de Janeiro, into a huge stage for World MMA stars. For the first time in the organization's history, free training was held outdoors for around five thousand people. Fans were able to follow stars like Anderson Silva, Rodrigo Minotauro e Mauritius Shogun, protagonists of the three main fights of UFC Rio, which takes place this Saturday, the 27th, at the HSBC Arena, in Barra da Tijuca.
“The demand for tickets for the fights was very high, so we made a point of organizing this open training session on the beach with the intention of bringing the event closer to the population and the city's daily life”, said the municipal secretary of Tourism and president from Riotur, Antonio Pedro Figueira de Mello. “Rio de Janeiro is at the center of attention on the sporting scene and the UFC’s arrival in the city is further proof of this. It’s an opportunity for us to show Rio and Brazil abroad and Copacabana beach was the perfect stage for this”, he added.
“Being able to fight at home, in front of the Brazilian fans, is a great pleasure. This party is a recognition of our work, something that was still lacking in Brazil. The country needed to recognize the efforts of so many talented fighters,” he said. Anderson Silva, who will star in the main fight of the night against the Japanese Yushin Okami. “The UFC’s arrival in Brazil is a result of the growth of the sport in the country and I think this is a continuous process, I hope this recognition continues to grow, because we have great athletes who deserve it.”
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