UFC rep: 3 events scheduled for Brazil in 2017

SAO PAULO – The UFC plans to promote three events in Brazil in 2017, the same number held this year.

UFC Vice President of International Business Development Joe Carr confirmed the news to MMAjunkie at the post-event press conference for the FS1-televised UFC Fight Night 100 at Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo.

Carr did not confirm specific dates for the events, though March 11 has already been announced for the promotion’s next trip “in the Northeast or the South” of the country.

The news comes two months after a tumultuous period behind the scenes with the sudden departure of former UFC Brazil chief Giovani Decker, who resigned the promotion just prior to a company-wide round of layoffs stemming from the promotion’s $4 billion sale to a group led by WME-IMG.

The trio of planned events falls in line with this year’s number for trips to Brazil, which remains a strong revenue driver for the promotion’s international business.

Carr said the promotion’s Sao Paulo-based regional office still has a strong staff on hand to ensure events run smoothly.

“We’re committed to this market,” said the executive, who plans to be heavily involved in the South American business. “Brazil is still the most important country outside the U.S. for the UFC. The new ownership is focused on this market, as well.”

In 2013 and 2014, Brazil events peaked at seven fight cards per year thanks to the success of the Brazilian version of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” and the star power of athletes such as Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort and Jose Aldo.

For more on UFC Fight Night 100, check out the UFC Events section of MMAjunkie.