Vina celebrates victory with Wagner Galeto at UFC Brazil. Publicity photo.
A fight between former cast members of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show has been confirmed for the December final event of the program’s 16th season.
Making his debut in the bantamweight division, Brazil’s Marcos Vinicius Vina, 32, will face the USA’s Johnny Bedford, a member of the 2011 TUF 14. The Brazilian was on the cast for the maiden season of TUF Brazil. The fight is set for December 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Vina was a featherweight semifinalist, exiting the contest after losing to Godofredo Pepey. His resurrection came in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais at UFC 147, when he had a come-from-behind win after knocking out Wagner Galeto in the third round, after showing off a durable chin early on.
Even with the win, Vina decided to drop down a division and fight at 61 kg (135 lbs).
“I’m overjoyed with the opportunity the UFC is giving me. I’d been waiting for a fight since the day after my win over Galeto, in June. I’ll give my life in that octagon to win again,” said the fighter, now with a record of 20 wins and three losses.
Check out the provisory TUF 16 Finale card:
TUF 16 Finale
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
December 15, 2012
Shane Carwin vs Roy Nelson
Mike Pyle vs James Head
Nick Catone vs TJ Waldburger
Hugo Wolverine vs Reuben Duran
Vinc Pichel vs Rustam Khabilov
Johnny Bedford vs Marcos Vinicius
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