The UFC Rio lineup faced unexpected adjustments but remains on track. The promotion returns to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 11 at the Farmasi Arena. Fans can expect an exciting Fight Night in the “Cidade Maravilhosa” with high-stakes matchups across multiple weight classes.
Vicente Luque Gains New Opponent
The welterweight fight between Vicente Luque and Santiago Ponzinibbio collapsed after Ponzinibbio withdrew due to injury, according to MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero. Luque now faces Joel Alvarez, making his debut in the 170-pound division. “The Silent Assassin” last fought at UFC 316 in June, losing by submission to Kevin Holland in the second round. Luque has two wins in his last six fights and holds a 16-7 UFC record, with 14 victories by finish.
Alvarez, nicknamed “El Fenomeno,” has not competed since December 2024, when he knocked out Drakkar Klose in the first round at UFC Tampa. He is on a three-fight winning streak and boasts a flawless finishing record across his 22-3 professional record, including a 7-2 run in the UFC.
Key Fights to Watch
The UFC Rio headliner was initially a lightweight clash between former champion Charles Oliveira and Rafael Fiziev. Fiziev withdrew due to injury, and the promotion seeks a replacement for “Do Bronx.” The co-main event features former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo facing Montel Jackson in a bantamweight bout.
Main Card
- Lightweight bout: Charles Oliveira vs. TBA
- Bantamweight bout: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson
- Welterweight bout: Gabriel Bonfim vs. Randy Brown
- Heavyweight bout: Jhonata Diniz vs. Mário Pinto
- Heavyweight bout: Valter Walker vs. Mohammed Usman
- Welterweight bout: Vicente Luque vs. Joel Alvarez
Preliminary Card
- Flyweight bout: Jafel Filho vs. Clayton Carpenter
- Featherweight bout: Lucas Almeida vs. Michael Aswell
- Heavyweight bout: Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen
- Featherweight bout: Ricardo Ramos vs. Kaan Ofli
- Flyweight bout: Lucas Rocha vs. Stewart Nicoll
- Strawweight bout: Julia Polastri vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz
The UFC Rio card promises thrilling action and finishes across every division. Fighters and fans alike look forward to a dynamic night in Brazil’s vibrant MMA scene.
