MMA fans who love the UFC hate to miss an event, but there’s no reason why a visit to Rio de Janeiro should stop you from catching all the latest fights as there are plenty of ways to watch the UFC in Rio de Janeiro.
MMA events in Brazil have got the best atmosphere of anywhere in the world, and seeing one live is obviously the best choice! Getting tickets for UFC in Rio isn’t easy: they sell out fast and are not cheap, usually upwards of BRL$500, but if you can get your hands on a ticket or two it is DEFINITELY worth it.
The crowd sing and shout, scream and holler with a volume unlike anywhere else. The atmosphere of any sporting event in Brazil is something special, but the energy at UFC Rio is on another level. When fan favorites like Anderson Silva or Jose Aldo are victorious, it feels like the roof might come off!
Watching the UFC in Barra
If you can’t get tickets to see the UFC live, then watching it at a bar is the next best thing. One of the most popular places is Sport TV in Barra da Tijuca, found on Avenida Erico Verissimo in Barra da Tijuca. At Sport TV there are big screens all over the bar showing the fights, and the table service means you’ll have a steady stream of food and drinks brought to you throughout the event.
Sport TV broadcasts almost all UFC events, including those in the USA and elsewhere, not just those from Brazil. The best thing is that you’re likely to see and meet many local MMA personalities there, who congregate on the bar to watch the fights. Fans have met fighters such as Minotoro, Rafael Feijao and more.
For people staying at the popular BJJ hostel Connection Rio, the closest place to show the UFC is Bar do Oswaldo, a well-known establishment owned by a 4th degree BJJ black belt.
Only 5 minutes walk from the Connection Rio house, Bar do Oswaldo is a popular place to see the UFC and the cheap drinks make it an inexpensive night out!
Watching the UFC in Zona Sul
For the UFC fans in Zona Sul, there is the Devassa bar in Ipanema, found on Rua Visconde de Piraja.
The Bar is co-owned by a BJJ black belt who loves UFC, and they play many major sporting events such as international soccer and even NFL and NBA games.
Everyone piles out onto the street and watches through the windows when the bar gets busy when a UFC is showing, especially if there is a Brazilian in the main event, but the excellent choice or beer and great atmosphere make this a good choice for watching the UFC in the tourist area of Rio.
Watching UFC on TV
Big events are broadcasted on pay-per-view, but you can watch some events on free channel Globo TV. The main event fights from UFC on Fox events are shown on free TV and draw massive numbers. Also, you can watch The Ultimate Fighter: Brasil which is also shown on Globo.
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