Perhaps one of the biggest surprises in recent memory on Dana White’s Contender Series occurred when Jonas Bilharinho wasn’t awarded a UFC contract following his spinning wheel kick knockout of Canaan Kawaihae this past November.
On Friday, Bilharinho will get another opportunity to gain White’s attention when he headlines LFA 126 in Rio de Janeiro with the promotion’s featherweight belt on the line. Bilharinho was supposed to face Rafael Barbosa at the event, but the fighter withdrew from the card after medical exams revealed two small aneurysms. According Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA) doctor Fabio Costa, the condition isn’t dangerous for Barbosa’s normal life, but it could expose him to “unnecessary risks” in an MMA fight.