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MMA Roots: The forgotten Brazilian tournament that produced 2 UFC champions

A forgotten 2007 tournament promoted by Fabiano Iha in Rio de Janeiro achieved a remarkable 100 percent success rate by sending all four of its bracket winners directly to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, with two eventually capturing world titles. Rafael dos Anjos claimed the 170-pound division after two grueling bouts and a thousand-dollar payday, a career-launching night that also introduced him to his future spouse.

Alongside dos Anjos, the historic regional event crowned Rafael Natal, Antonio Braga Neto, and future heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos before the organization's planned expansion to Los Angeles ultimately stalled out.

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