When the Ultimate Fighting Championship traveled to Brazil for the first time in 1998, there was a slew of Brazilian fighters who made a name for themselves during the event. Vitor Belfort wowed the crowd in attendance when he only needed forty-four seconds to knock out Wanderlei Silva, but one heavyweight stood head and shoulders above the rest that night.
Pedro Rizzo looked impressive and showed a lot of potential against Tank Abbott and needed eight minutes to finish the fight. Rizzo would go on to win three fights in a row before suffering his first octagon loss, but he had already made an impression on his fellow heavyweights. Rizzo fought for the UFC’s heavyweight title three times and although he failed to win each time, they were entertaining bouts.
Rizzo hung up his gloves for good on this weekend and his fellow Brazilians supported his choice! Check out what Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida had to say about his retirement:
great friend and teacher #Pedro Rizzo Strength and honor forever.
Congratulations for representing our country !!pedrorizzomma Congratulation for all you did for us and our nation !!
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