It’s hard to argue with the notion that UFC Sao Paulo is cursed.
No less than seven bouts on the card — including two variations of the main event — were altered by withdrawals. Originally, light heavyweight contenders Glover Teixeira and Jimi Manuwa were originally scheduled to headline Saturday’s card. That was changed to Manuwa vs. Thiago Santos after Teixeira withdrew due to a shoulder injury, and then changed again to Santos vs. Eryk Anders just six days ago.
This is the second time that Anders will be closing a show in Brazil and he’ll be looking for a better outcome than the split decision loss he took against Lyoto Machida in February.