Urijah Faber vs. Raphael Assuncao headlines UFC's return to Brazil in March
The UFC will return to Brazil on March 21 with a big card headed to Rio de Janeiro including the headline fight pitting Urijah Faber against Raphael Assuncao in a pivotal bantamweight matchup.
UFC officials announced the new card on Thursday.
Faber and Assuncao both sit high in the rankings at 135-pounds and the winner will likely be poised for a title shot at some point in 2015.
The two fighters are no stranger to each other either -- Faber beat Assuncao by rear naked choke while both men were competing in the featherweight division in the WEC.
Now Assuncao looks for revenge while Faber hopes to spoil the Brazilian fighter's homecoming while keeping his perfect record in non-title fights in tact.
The co-main event will see the return of welterweight submission specialist Demian Maia, who has been out of action since last May when he takes on undefeated prospect Ryan LaFlare.
LaFlare has also been on the sidelines nursing a knee injury, but it appears he'll be ready to go again by March.
Another welterweight bout will be featured on the main card in Brazil with heavy-hitting fighter Erick Silva looking to put together his first two fight win streak as he takes on American Top Team competitor, Ben Saunders.
Lightweight contender Josh Thomson gets back in action as well when he takes on submission specialist Gilbert Burns.
The full card announced on Thursday for FOX Sports 1 UFC Fight Night: Faber vs. Assuncao includes:
MAIN EVENT: Urijah Faber vs. Raphael Assuncao
Demian Maia vs. Ryan LaFlare
Erick Silva vs. Ben Saunders
Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Burns
Matt Wiman vs. Leonardo Santos
Cain Carrizosa vs. Leonardo Mafra
Drew Dober vs. Leandro Silva
