Logistical headaches have certainly presented a challenge for the UFC as it attempts to hold an event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but the promotion hasn't given up on holding UFC 147 there.
However, UFC president Dana White said that Rio de Janeiro could host the event should Sao Paulo not pan out.
"It's going to be Sao Paulo or Rio," White told
MMAjunkie.com (
UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) on Tuesday. "One of those two. Rio's been fantastic for us, so if that's what it is, it's not a bad option."
UFC 147 is targeted for June 16 and is expected to feature a middleweight title rematch between reigning champ Anderson Silva and challenger Chael Sonnen. Additionally, "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" finalists will meet to determine the reality show's winner, and "TUF: Brazil" coaches Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort will meet in a traditional season-ending coach-vs.-coach fight.
Broadcast plans for the event have yet to be announced.
Recent reports from multiple Brazilian media outlets indicated the UFC's chances for holding an event at the 60,000-seat Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo look grim after a nonprofit organization successfully lobbied to enforce a noise ordinance past midnight. UFC events held in Brazil start several hours later to accommodate the usual start time for domestic events (10 p.m. ET for main cards).
Additionally, other venues in the city are under renovation in advance of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
While White acknowledges there have been challenges in mounting the event in Brazil's most populous city, he expressed confidence they eventually will be sorted out.
"Look at the problems we have here in the United States," he said. "Now, imagine all the problems we have doing business in other countries. It's time consuming, and it's a pain in the ass, but it's what we do. This is what we do for a living."
The promotion's most recent trip to Brazil occurred this past month for UFC 142, which took place Jan. 14 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Although ticket sales weren't as brisk as the promotion's previous trip to the country, UFC 134, the event was watched by 23 million people on Brazilian network Rede Globo, according to a report on Sherdog.
UFC 134, which took place five months prior at HSBC Arena, was a near-instant sellout.
"UFC: Ultimate Brazil" (UFC 17.5) was the first UFC event in Brazil. It was held in Sao Paulo's Ginasio da Portuguesa in October 1998 under the promotion's previous owners, Semaphore Entertainment Group.
