Anaconda Ace Milton Vieira to Make Octagon Debut Against Felipe Arantes at UFC 147

Headlined by a long-awaited middleweight title rematch between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen, UFC 147 marks the promotion’s third trip to Rio de Janeiro in the last year. The event takes place June 23 at Joao Havelange Stadium and is expected to break the UFC’s all-time attendance record. Also featured will be another highly anticipated rematch, as middleweights Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva collide for the first time since 1998.

Vieira, 33, rides a three-fight winning streak into his Octagon debut. Credited by many as the inventor of the anaconda choke, “Miltinho” owns eight of his 13 victories by submission and has never been finished in his 11-year professional career. A veteran of promotions such as Deep, Superior Challenge and the defunct Pride Fighting Championships, Vieira debuted with Strikeforce this past August, finishing Sterling Ford with a first-round brabo choke.

Nine years younger than his opponent, Arantes has gone 1-1 in his two UFC appearances. Following a decision defeat to Iuri Alcantara at UFC 134 last year, “Sertanejo” posted a decision victory of his own in the UFC’s next trip to Brazil, outpointing Antonio Carvalho at UFC 142 on Jan. 14. Arantes has finished more than 70 percent of his conquered foes and has yet to be knocked out in nearly four years as a pro.