Big John McCarthy talks to Demian Maia before a UFC event. Photo: Demian Maia’s personal archives.
The card has been announced for Mestre do Combate, a new Brazilian MMA event promoted by Master Rickson Gracie. The inaugural show is set for this November 22 at the Vivo Rio concert hall in Rio de Janeiro.
The big standout on the card is three-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion Celso Venícius. Another big announcement is that former UFC referee Big John McCarthy has been hired to take part.
Mestre do Combate features same-day weigh-ins and a team format, with a Murilo Bustamante-led group from Rio de Janeiro to take on one from São Paulo under Francisco Veras, a Jiu-Jitsu professor at Ryan Gracie academy. According to the promoters, the main event of the evening will have Alexandre “Pulga”, undefeated in his 12-fight career, taking on Pety Mafort.
And during the fights no one will be saved by the bell or win on points: to get their arms raised by the referee, the fighters need to either get the knockout, submission or force the opponent to give up. Should there be a draw after the two rounds – the first round lasts ten minutes; the second, five – the result will be determined by three “authorities”: the referee, Rickson Gracie and the audience. And elbows will not be permitted.
Check out the card, with Rio athletes against those from São Paulo in the order in which they will appear.
Mestre do Combate
Vivo Rio, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
November 22, 2012
Fernandão Miúdo vs João Izidoro
Armando Sapo Sixel vs Marcos Rogério
Gersinho Conceição vs Bruno Oliveira
Gabriel Monkey vs Viscardi Andrade
Cristiano Bananada vs Celso Venícius
Alexandre Pulga vs Pety Mafort
