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The UFC’s recent return to Brazil for UFC 147: Silva vs. Franklin 2 took place a few weeks ago. With the event taking part in a foreign country, there was no commission to do the drug testing.

So, the UFC hired out an independent testing company to handle all 22 tests for the fighters. Marc Ratner, UFC vice president of regulatory affairs, confirmed that all fighters passed the tests.

The tests covered recreational drugs and performance enhancing ones.

Among those tested were Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin Mike Russow, Fabricio Werdum and the two winners of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images / UFC

UFC president Dana White wasted little time continuing to display his displeasure with judges in MMA, as he told the UFC on FUEL TV post-fight show that he was none-to-pleased by what went down at UFC 147: Silva vs. Franklin II.

In the main event Rich Franklin overcame a second round onslaught by Wanderlei Silva to score a decision victory. While White was pleased that the referee allowed “Ace” to battle through the attack, he still had questions for the judges in the end.

“I think the ref did a great job at not stopping the fight. Obviously, he was able to keep going,” White said. “I have to go back to the judging. They had a draw in an earlier fight and they didn’t have a draw for Wanderlei vs. Rich. I am in a bad mood (Saturday) because I am tired of stupid little things that are happening.”

The brash boss of the Octagon continued to push for former fighters to become referees and judges in the sport, adding, “I think we are going to see more of it. It is going to be a problem for a while until the athletic commissions start working on it. They need to review tapes with the refs and show these guys what they did wrong when they make a wrong call.”

Many wondered if Saturday’s Brazilian show could be the end for Silva, a former Pride champion who has stumbled since entering the UFC. White was unsure at the moment on if “The Axe Murderer” would compete again.

“Wanderlei almost won that fight,” White said. “It is tough to say. He has been honest and great and he is going to be with the UFC for a long time whether he is fighting or not.”

White also added that Silva would need be getting his rematch with Vitor Belfort in the near future. Belfort was forced out of the planned fight after the two were coaches on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil due to a hand injury.

When talk turned to the upcoming Anderson Silva-Chael Sonnen battle at UFC 148, White was a little more happy to discuss that subject.

“I just like that fight and I am excited for it,” White said. “It is going to be the biggest fight of the year, the biggest sporting event of the year. Who is going to win? I never predict. You just don’t know.”

Photo credit: Twitter/DanaWhite

Fabricio Werdum has worked his way back from a loss to Junior dos Santos several years ago before “Cigano” became the UFC heavyweight champion. Now, following his recent win over Mike Russow at UFC 147: Silva vs. Franklin II, Werdum is feeling very confident inside the Octagon.

“I was training a lot for this fight for three months with Kings MMA,” said Werdum, during the post-fight show on FUEL TV. “I am happy because there is a big difference fighting in Brazil. I am in the UFC nine years, but I didn’t fight here for many years. Just the guy saying my nickname, I was very happy. This is motivation for sure.”

Werdum’s only other loss since his setback to dos Santos came at the hands of Alistair Overeem in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. He adds the win over Russow to a decision victory against Roy Nelson earlier this year.

As for facing dos Santos again, that’s right on the forefront for Werdum, who said, “Maybe not the next fight, but I am close.”

Photo credit: Esther Lin/STRIKEFORCE

As the second round of Saturday night’s UFC 147 main event between Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin started to come to an end, it appeared as if “Ace” was about finished, as well.

Instead, the former UFC middleweight champion survived Silva’s furious attack and proceeded to take the five-round affair via decision in Silva’s backyard of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

“I honestly can’t remember,” said Franklin, when asked how he got out of the second round during the post-fight show on FUEL TV. “I know I got dropped and then the next thing I remember was my corner man said it’s the fifth round. It’s something that’s happened before and something I’m used to working through.”

Franklin was expected to face Cung Le in July, but opted for the rematch with Silva after an injury knocked Vitor Belfort out. The plan for Franklin is to continue to work at middleweight, maybe making one final title run before retiring.

“The UFC didn’t want to do a third fight between me and Anderson Silva since I lost twice to him,” Franklin said. “But now there’s been some time off from those fights and I’m not going to make a run at 205, I’m just not big enough. I’m 37 now and I’m going to put some wins together and make a run for a title.”

Franklin was making his return to action for the first time in over a year, as a torn labrum placed him on the sidelines following a loss to Forrest Griffin.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images / UFC

UFC officials announced immediately after UFC 147 who the bonus recipients following tonight’s event were.

Fight of the Night: Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin

Knockout of the Night: Marcos Vinicius

Submission of the Night: Rodrigo Damm

Each of these four fighters will receive a $65,000 bonus for their efforts.

Stick with MMAConvert for more coverage from UFC 147.

As always, we’ll have a live stream of the UFC 147 post fight press conference in the video above. The presser airs live shortly following today’s event. Expected to take part in the event are headliners Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva, UFC President Dana White, as well as the big winners from today’s main card.

Check back around 1am ET for the live stream. If you’re unable to catch it, don’t fret, we’ll have text and video highlights shortly after.

UFC 147 takes place later tonight at Estádio Jornalista Felipe Drumond in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and airs live on pay-per-view at 10pm ET/7pm PT. The PPV broadcast will be preceded by prelimary card on FX at 8pm ET/5pm PT, and on Facebook at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

In the main event, Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva meet in a rematch of their UFC 99 bout.

Heavyweights collide as Fabricio Werdum takes on Mike Russow.

The TUF Brazil middleweight final takes place as Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira faces Sergio Moraes.

The first ever TUF Brazil winner is determined as the featherweights Rony Mariano Bezerra and Godofredo de Oliveira face off.

And the card opens up with Hacran Dias going up against Yuri Alcantara.

Results and recap after the jump.

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I need not explain why we’re all here, just sit down and read the words on your screen.

-Hacran Dias vs Yuri Alcantara

To open up the main card is a potential fight of the night candidate, as two fighters who have undoubtedly hit their primes meet in what could be an absolute war. Between Shooto, the WEC, and the UFC, these two men have been on an absolute tear, and it makes sense that they collide in Brazil. Look for Alacantara to use his better work rate to likely frustrate Dias, but keep in mind, neither man will quit. I expect 15 minutes of fun, with Alcantara doing enough to take home a split decision.

-Rony Mariano Bezerra vs Godofredo de Oliveira

In a bout that determines the first TUF Brazil champion, Rony Jason is a clear favorite. Despite Pepey being undefeated, and having a solid ground game, these fights start on the feet, and Rony isn’t an easy guy to take down. Expect quick and painful violence as Rony picks up a TKO win, a fat UFC contract, and a pretty little statue.

-Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira vs Sergio Moraes

Sergio Moraes is filling in for an injured Daniel Sarafian, who would have ran through no matter who he was put up against, so with this bout, we can expect a more competitive fight. Not that much more though. Cezar “Mutante” is going to win, and much like the fight right before this, in quick and painful fashion. Another TKO, another contract, another statue.

-Fabricio Werdum vs Mike Russow

Everybody’s gotta lose sometime, right? Mike Russow is facing some tough odds tonight, as he takes on the Fedor-Slayer, Fabricio Werdum. Werdum has really found his stride as of late on the feet, and I don’t need to say a word about his grappling. Russow has survived a lot of scary moments in the octagon, and whether it be heart, determination, or just luck, he has put together a very impressive winning streak. It ends tonight. Werdum will survive anything Russow has to offer him, and will submit him.

-Rich Franklin vs Wanderlei Silva

I can’t do it. I can’t follow my heart in this fight. I want SO BAD for Wanderlei to win, as I know he was going to trampled by Vitor, and this fight is an easier fight, but it doesn’t matter. My brain says Rich Franklin wins yet again, and here’s why: he’s better. I expect a decision, or a depressing, heartbreaking knockout, but either way, Wandy is losing this fight. Franklin has the better tools to win, and despite the layoff, he’s smart enough to implement whatever gameplan he has. Let’s not forget that “Ace” was already training to face a deadly striker when this bout came along, so he’s more than prepared. Rich wins yet again at Franklinweight.

Before you go complaining about injuries and the quality of the card, let me remind you, this card is designed, and has been since its inception, to be targeted to the Brazilian audience. If you don’t order it, that’s fine, but you’ll be missing out on one hell of a card.

Let me know what you think below.

And most importantly, enjoy the fights!

Well, the marathon of MMA events is almost over. If you’re crazy like me, you saw some excitement on XFC last night, you saw Roger Huerta get soccer kicked into oblivion this morning, you napped during Bellator, and you watched some pretty fun fights on FX last night. One more big event to go, UFC 147.

-Milton Vieira vs Felipe Arantes

Chute Boxe may not have much left to offer the world of MMA, but don’t tell Felipe Arantes that. Arantes hasn’t had the best of luck recently, but he’s a solid fighter, who can very well go for a solid fifteen, dominating minutes. Vieira hasn’t fought in nearly a year, but the former Strikeforce fighter is a highly decorated grappler, and can very well make anyone pay with his submission chops. I think he falters in his UFC debut though, look for Arantes to take home a lackluster decision win.

-Marcos Vinicius Borges Pancini vs Wagner Campos

Wagner Campos failed to put it together on TUF Brazil, and like many others, this is his one chance to join the ranks of the UFC. He takes on “Vina”, who faced off against two of the best fighters on the show. Not exactly the best path to take. Campos is a nice guy, but just not much a fighter when it comes to this level of competition. I suspect “Vina” to light him up on the feet, clinch with him, and score a quick TKO victory.

-Leonardo Mafra Texeira vs Thiago de Oliveira Perpetuo

Two men with contrasting styles can make for an interesting fight.. or a terrible fight. I honestly don’t expect a whole lot from this fight, but Perpetuo is going to use his technical prowess to punish Texeira, who is more of a brawler. I expect a slow, grinding, punch-heavy decision.

-Hugo Viana vs John Teixeira da Conceicao

Undefeated Hugo Viana has his shot at octagon glory tonight. After having one of the better runs through TUF Brazil, eventually falling to finalist Rony “Jason”. Teixeira is also undefeated, and has some pretty nasty grappling chops. This fight is a dangerous one for both men, as “Wolverine” has some vicious striking, and Teixeira has some nasty grappling. I’ll take the former in dramatic fashion.

-Francisco Drinaldo vs Delson Heleno

“Massaranduba” a lightweight fighter, who opted to move to middleweight instead of featherweight, continues his run at 185 tonight. In Heleno, he takes on a man who bested Jake Ellenberger under the IFL banner, and has but together a pretty damn good string of wins in his last dozen bouts. I like Drinaldo in this bout, and I think his striking is good enough to guide him to solid stoppage win.

-Anistavio Medeiros de Figueiredo vs Rodrigo Damm

I expected Rodrigo Damm to take home the TUF Brazil title, before an inconvenient injury forced him out of the competition. While his record isn’t necessarily fantastic, the quality of his opposition has been. The last pick of the competition, “Gasparzinho”, was the prankster of the house, and it may have gained some fans because of it, but he certainly didn’t get him any friends. He and Damm were often on each other’s cases for various reasons, with it stemming mostly from Damm’s disgusted reactions to his antics. I expect a great fight here, as these two men genuinely do not like each other, but I think Damm does what he does best, violently decimate his opponent.

Anyway, there you have it, the preliminary card should be a good one. It all goes down at 7pm ET on Facebook, and 8pm ET on FUEL TV or FX or something. Check my later for my breakdown of the main card.

Video highlights of the UFC 147 weigh-ins via the UFC.

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