UFC Fight Night Fortaleza is taking place in just over two weeks, but the event almost changed locations for a big reason.
A report has surfaced from MMA Fighting suggesting that the UFC considered changing the location of the show due to waves of violence that has affected the area since the beginning of 2019. There is no word yet as to where the event would've been moved to, as the UFC has no officially commented on the matter.
According to the report from MMA Fighting, a lot of the violence began after Luis Mauro Albuquerque was appointed the secretary of the newly-founded penitentiary administration in Ceara. Albuquerque promised a harder stance on security in the area, which prompted a reaction from some crime gangs already imprisoned, ordering attacks on public buildings, police and anything that could be burned down.
G1, a Brazilian news outlet, is reporting that 138 vehicles, 51 public buildings, 13 bridges/energy towers and 10 banks have been attacked by criminals. The weapons the criminals are allegedly using include bombs and guns.
The UFC has decided to keep the event in Fortaleza at this time, as the Secretary Of Sports & Youth in Ceara, Brazil has stated that security will get doubled during the event.
UFC Fight Night Fortaleza takes place on Saturday, February 2 from the Olympic Training Center in Fortaleza, Brazil with Raphael Assuncao and Marlon Moraes headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.