Brazilian news website Globo.com is reporting that Magalhães has been slotted in to take on “the Hippo” at UFC 163 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
The match has yet to be officially announced by UFC officials, but “Pezao” has effectively confirmed it on his Twitter.
Lutar no Brasil pela primeira vez vai ser interessante. @ufc_brasil Fighting in Brazil for the 1st time will be interesting. @ufc #UFC163
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) May 30, 2013
Vinny “Pezao” Magalhães (10-6) was originally exposed to UFC fans during the 8th season of the Ultimate Fighter, ultimately losing in the finals to Ryan Bader. After two more consecutive losses, the Royler Gracie black belt eventually found his way to M-1, where he righted his ship and went on a 6 fight winning streak that saw him capture the M-1 Global LHW title and then return to the UFC. The streak however, was halted in his last bout, a decision loss to the surging Phil Davis at UFC 159. This fight will not only see the Syndicate MMA gym member try to avoid a second consecutive loss, but will also be his first fight in his home country Brazil. This is especially notable as is reported to have received death threats from some of his countrymen after his decision to help train Chael Sonnen prior to the “Gangster from West Lynn’s” rematch with Anderson Silva. Will all the pressure be too much, or will “Pezao” be able to rise above it to gain another victory?
Anthony “the Hippo” Perosh (13-7) is one of the oldest competitors in the UFC at 41. He made his debut at UFC 61 as heavyweight, losing a pair of bouts to Jeff Monson and Christian Wellisch. After some wins on the Australian MMA scene, Perosh would return to the big show at UFC 110, losing to Mirko “CroCop” Filopivic by TKO in a fight he took on two days notice. After taking time off for knee surgery, the UFC rewarded Perosh with a fight in his new weight class of 205 lbs., where he rebounded and went on a three fight winning streak over Tom Blackledge, Cyrille Diabate, and Nick Penner. He last fought at UFC 149, losing to Ryan Jimmo via KO, before being sidelined near the end of 2012 after suffering a severe toe injury in training. Perosh is known for his heavy top control and submission skills, but will be enough to get a victory against a BJJ world champion like Vinny Magalhães?
UFC 163 takes place on August 3rd in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The main event is a featherweight championship bout between Jose “Scarface” Aldo and Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, and will also feature Demian Maia taking on Josh Koscheck. Stay tuned to MMASucka for more on UFC 163, and other UFC cards!
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