UFC veterans fill in to save Contender Series Brazil fights after visa issues

Earlier this week, MMAFighting’s Guilherme Cruz reported at least seven Brazilian fighters were pulled from the Contender Series Brazil events after suffering visa problems. A pair of UFC veterans have now stepped up to save two fights taking place on the series, which is being filmed in Las Vegas and starts in August.

Cruz has since reported that Henrique da Silva will replace Joao Zaiden to fight the Brazilian light heavyweight Johnny Walker, and Marcio Alexandre Jr will fill in for Wellington Turman to fight Leonardo Silva.

The 28-year-old Da Silva (14-4) was cut by the UFC after losing four straight fights, the last being a first round knockout loss to veteran kickboxer, Gokhan Saki, “Frankenstein” has fought twice in other promotions since his UFC release, winning both of those fights.

Much like his fellow Brazilian Da Silva, Alexandre Jr. (15-4) was cut by the UFC after losing three straight fights to Warlley Alves, Tim Means and Court McGee. The 29-year-old has since moved up to middleweight and gone 4-1 on the regional circuit since his release.

It is understood that the UFC is still working to find replacements for the other fighters who were forced off the event with visa issues.