In North America, we scoff at the idea of the modern Ultimate Fighter series producing quality, talented fighters. It’s been a number of years since the show produced a viable title contender and the contrived drama has grown stale.
Of course, things are a little different in Brazil. The Brazilian UFC events and subsequent Ultimate Fighter Brazil produced unbelievable ratings and fanfare, as well as talent.
Rony “Jason” Mariano Bezerra was just one of the talents to use Ultimate Fighter Brazil as a launching pad to stardom. And he was at it again Saturday night, making him our choice for breakout star of the night.
Bezerra battered and bruised Sam Sicilia with a vicious onslaught at UFC 153. From the opening bell, Bezerra created one-way traffic toward Sicilia and things continued to worsen as the fight went on. Finally in the second round, catching a right kick, Bezerra nailed Sicilia with a massive right elbow dropping him to the floor.
Usually there is little fanfare for a preliminary bout, but the devastating knockout from Bezerra, who is quickly becoming an iconic figure in Brazil, had the crowd on their feet. The sky is the limit for this Team Nogueira product and if he can continue to deliver in a similar fashion to UFC 153, he will be contending for the featherweight belt in no time.
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