Report: UFC plan to host two Brazilian stadium shows in 2015

With reports circulating over the last few months that the Ultimate Fighting Championship are in talks to rent a stadium in Ireland to host a summer event, it has also now emerged that the world’s largest MMA promotion has plans to host at least two shows in Brazilian football stadiums in 2015.

Brazilian site Lancenet spoke with UFC Managing Director of International Development, Marshall Zelaznik who said the reservations have already been made in both Sao Paulo and Curitiba (Quotes translated from Lancenet by BloodyElbow.)

“Curitiba is in our list.” Zelaznik said. “We have booked dates there and in Palmeiras’ arena (in Sao Paulo), we’re now studying the number of tickets that we can sell.”

“If it’s going to be a big or a small show. We like the size of the arena in Curitiba. I think it holds 40 000 places besides the seats on the floor. There is a good chance in Curitiba. We are watching very closely.”

On what would be necessary to actually hold a show in a large stadium Zelaznik said: “It all depends on the timing and the fight. We need a big fight to use a big stadium”.

“If we have the right fighters aligned with the dates booked – which is often a challenge – we’re making a fight in a stadium in 2015. That is our goal.”

Zelaznik also allayed fears over possible logistical issues: “About the weather, there is no need to worry. Both of the arenas have retractable roofs. They could close immediately, if necessary.”

With Jose Aldo the only reigning Brazilian UFC champion it wouldn’t be too far amiss to suggest that he would be certain to feature on any stadium show held in the promotion’s South American stronghold.

After the hype surrounding him at UFC 179 in Brazil, the obvious big opponent for Aldo worthy of filling a stadium in the summer seems set to be Conor McGregor if he emerges from his perfectly timed January meeting with Russian-German Dennis Siver unscathed. However it turns out, it’s exciting times ahead for both Irish and Brazilian mixed martial arts enthusiasts.