UFC 134 Rio Fight Card: Paulo Thiago vs. David Mitchell Official

Paulo Thiago at UFC 109

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has made a rumored bout between former Top 10 ranked welterweight Paulo Thiago and rising talent David Mitchell official for UFC 134 on Aug. 27 in Rio de Janeiro, the promotion’s return to Brazil.

Thiago (13-3) is coming off back-to-back losses to Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann, and likely needs a win to remain on the crowded roster of welterweights. He’ll have the added advantage of fighting on his home turf in Brazil, but faces a tough finisher who is coming off the first loss of his career.

Mitchell (11-1) tore through the competition on the California MMA circuit, but stumbled in his Octagon debut, losing a unanimous decision to T.J. Waldburger at UFC Fight Night 22. Mitchell was initially scheduled to make his second start against Mike Swick in January, but an injury forced him off the card. Like Thiago, he’ll likely need a win, or at least a strong performance, at UFC 134 to remain on the roster.

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is expected to defend his title against number-two-ranked Yushin Okami in the main event in Rio.