The second UFC fight card to take place in Brazil in 2014 will be on March 23rd in Natal and the UFC has officially announced nine fights for the card.
UFC Fight Night 38 will come from the Ginasio Nelio Dias in Natal, Brazil and will be shown live on Fox Sports 1, which is on a Sunday.
Tickets for this event will go on sale tomorrow and will be available via at www.ticketsforfun.com.br at 10 a.m. local time in Brazil.
The card will be headlined by a light heavyweight rematch as former UFC champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will meet former Pride/Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson in a rematch of their classic bout from UFC 139 in 2011.
Rua (22-8) is coming off a knockout of the night victory at UFC Fight Night 33 against James Te Huna in December and the victory snapped a two fight losing streak. It was his first win since UFC on FOX 4 in August of 2011 as he defeated Brandon Vera by TKO in the fourth round.
“I always say that my country and my fans are my biggest motivation, and when I fought in UFC Rio felt an incredible energy,” Shogun stated in a press release. “In addition, Dan Henderson is a legend and was our first fight a real war, considered the fight of the year in 2011 by most people, so I’m very motivated for this rematch and a great show.”
Henderson (29-11) has signed a new deal with the UFC and he is currently on a three fight losing streak. His last win came against Rua and his defeats during his losing streak have come against Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, and Vitor Belfort.
“I think it is right to fight in Brazil, considering that the first fight between us was in my country,” Henderson said. “I hope this is a war again. Shogun is a tough guy, so I know he will come prepared to fight five rounds if necessary. I want to make another big fight like I always try to do. I’m sure the fans would love to see it again.”
Also on the card, Ultimate Fighter Brazil 1 winner Cezar Ferreira (8-2) will be looking for his fourth win in the UFC as he meets Ultimate Fighter 7 alum C.B. Dollaway in a middleweight bout.
The current UFC Fight Night 38: Shogun vs. Henderson card is below.
Maurico Rua (22-8) vs. Dan Henderson (29-11)
Cezar Ferreira (8-2) vs. C.B. Dollaway (14-6)
Leonardo Santos (12-4) vs. Norman Parke (20-2)
Fabio Maldonado (20-6) vs. Gian Villante (11-4)
Rony Jason (14-4) vs. Steven Siler (23-11)
Gleison Tibau (37-10) vs. Mairbek Taisumov (21-4)
Ronny Markes (14-2) vs. Thiago Santos (8-2)
Jussier Formiga (15-3) vs. Scott Jorgensen (14-7)
Thiago Perpetuo (8-1-1) vs. Kenny Robertson (12-2)