The UFC's return to Brazil appears to be closer to fruition, though a change in location has occurred. Despite early indications of the UFC heading to Sau Paulo, the UFC has now targeted an event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for January 14th, 2012, according to mixed martial arts referee Mario Yamasaki. Yamasaki broke the news with this tweet.
@Yamasaki13
Mario Yamasaki UFC volta ao Brasil dia 14/01/12 no RIO
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Roughly translated from Portuguese, the message states "UFC returns to Brazil on the day 01/14/12 in Rio".
The UFC's previous foray to Rio de Janeiro for UFC 134 was received with open arms by the Brazilian community and wound up being one of the year's most successful shows. Afterwards, UFC President Dana White was visibly ecstatic, stating that the promotion would be back as soon as possible.
UFC officials have yet to comment on the matter, however Brazilian MMA site Tatame has confirmed the report. MMA Nation will continue to update this story as it unfolds.