Massara, Carlos Diego and Pitbull represent Brazil in the ufc austin. Photo: SL Montage
Sunday is also UFC day. The largest MMA organization in the world, which traditionally holds its events on Saturdays, arrives in Texas (USA) on an unusual day for fight fans. UFC Fight Night Austin features 12 fights on its program with three Brazilians in action: on the main card, Francisco Massaranduba stares at James Vick, while Thiago Pitbull will face Curtis Millender. In the preliminary, Carlos Diego Ferreira faces Jared gordon.
In the main fight of the night, welterweights Donald Cerrone and Yancy Medeiros duel to try to get closer to the top-5 in the category.
Massaranduba faces Vick with an eye on the top-10
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With an eye on the top-10 of the lightweight division, Francisco Massaranduba will have a big challenge ahead of him ufc austin. The Brazilian faces the giant James Vick, 1,90m tall, 17cm taller than the Paraíba native. But, in addition to the height difference, Massara will need attention to beat the American, as the two arrive for the clash on the back of eight victories in their last nine fights.
The Brazilian's run, 14th in the lightweight rankings, began in September 2014. Since then, his only defeat was to Kevin Lee – who six months later was competing for the interim belt in the category. And, in case of victory, Massara could reach the top-10 in the division.
Vick, 12th in the lightweight division rankings, has a record of 12 wins and just one loss as a professional. In his UFC career, he won eight fights and only lost to Beneil Dariush. The American, who fights at home, as he was born in Texas, has won three consecutive victories with two technical knockouts and one submission.
Pitbull seeks to maintain recovery against Millender
The Brazilian Thiago Pitbull reached the top of the welterweight division at UFC 100, in 2009, when he challenged for the division belt against Georges St Pierre. After 25 minutes, he couldn't stand his rival's takedown game and was left without the title he dreamed of. Since then, the Ceará native's career has gone through ups and downs. He had five wins, five losses, several injuries and some problems with the weight cut. But, after beating Patrick Cote in his last fight, the Brazilian hopes not to let his pace drop against newcomer Curtis Millender.
Pitbull, who is not in the top-15 of the welterweight division, needs the victory to get into the category's rankings.
Cerrone x Medeiros opposite moments in the main fight
The main fight of ufc austin promises a lot of excitement. Donald Cerrone and Yancy Medeiros are athletes known for providing electrifying duels. But, inside the octagon, athletes live different moments.
Former lightweight title challenger, Donald Cerrone He is going through a difficult time in his career. The 'Cowboy' moved up the welterweight division with great expectations and came close to the title, but the tables turned and he accumulated a series of three consecutive defeats. Living in a moment opposite to that of his opponent, Yancy Medeiros has won the three fights he has had since returning to the welterweight division.
UFC Austin technical sheet
DATE: 18 / 02 / 2018
HOURS: 20h
HOW TO WATCH: Combate Channel
MAIN CARD (from midnight):
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Donald Cerrone x Yancy Medeiros;
Heavy (up to 120 kg): Derrick Lewis x Marcin tybura;
Mild (up to 70,3 kg): James Vick x Francisco Massaranduba;
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Thiago Pitbull x Curtis Millender
Feathers (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Peterson x Brandon davis
Mild: Sage Northcutt x Thibault Gouti
PRELIMINARY CARD (From 20h)
Mild (up to 70,3 kg): Jared gordon x Carlos Diego Ferreira
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Geoff neal x Brian Camozzi
Flies (up to 55,7 kg): Roberto Sanchez x Joby Sanchez
Galos (up to 61,2 kg): Sarah Moras x Lucie Pudilova
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Joshua Burkman x alex morono
Medium (up to 84,0 kg): Oskar Piechota x Tim Williams
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