RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Antonio Carlos Junior is a different fighter compared to the last time he fought in Brazil.
Back in Dec. 2014, 17 months after making his MMA debut, “Cara de Sapato” was already an Ultimate Fighter: Brazil heavyweight winner heading back down to the light heavyweight to face Patrick Cummins. Things didn't go his way, but his first MMA defeat thought him important lessons.
Now, with only one defeat over his last five UFC bouts, Junior celebrates his return to Brazil by facing Eric Spicely in the preliminary portion of UFC 212, and he sees the opportunity as a perfect chance to showcase his evolution.