Fighters seek to restore Brazil’s MMA dominationAFP, SAO PAULO, BrazilSelf-described “nerd” Caio Borralho quit his chemical engineering studies to become a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, part of a new generation looking to reinvigorate the sport in Brazil, home of legendary champions. Brazilian UFC middleweight fighter Caio Borralho takes a break during training at an academy in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 9. Other Brazilian fighters such as former champions Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira and Alex Pereira are also on campaigns to restore the country’s dominance. Now they’re native-born MMA fighters.”Brazil has the second-most UFC fighters of any country, and is its second-largest market, after the US, Galetti said. MMA has become a lucrative business for numerous Brazilian fighters, some of whom have become superstars on the level of Brazil soccer star Neymar.

Source: Taipei Times August 30, 2023 04:59 UTC