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LAS VEGAS, NV — The Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) is set to make history with its debut in one of the most important cities in Brazilian mixed martial arts. LFA CEO Ed Soares announced that LFA 229 will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the historic Centro Esportivo Pelezão in São Paulo, Brazil.
Located in the heart of South America’s largest metropolitan region, São Paulo has long served as a global hub for culture, business, and sports. The city has also played a vital role in the growth and international recognition of Brazilian MMA, making it a fitting destination for LFA’s first event there.
LFA 229: Martins vs. Gonçalves Headlines São Paulo Debut
LFA 229: Martins vs. Gonçalves, presented by Monster Energy, will feature a high-stakes welterweight main event between LFA standout and The Ultimate Fighter Season 31 veteran Richard Martins (10-1) and dangerous Muay Thai striker Vanderlei Gonçalves, also known as “Soul Glo” (9-2).
The event will air live in the United States on VICE TV beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
“We are very excited to return to São Paulo for LFA 229.” stated Soares. “This city has played a huge role in the development of Brazilian MMA and combat sports. The main event between Richard Martins and Vanderlei Gonçalves is the type of high-level matchup our fans expect, and it’s the perfect way to introduce the LFA to the São Paulo crowd.”
Richard Martins Looks to Shine at Home
Martins enters the contest as one of the most recognizable Brazilian prospects currently competing under the LFA banner. The former TUF 31 competitor has compiled an impressive 10-1 professional record, demonstrating a balanced skill set and the ability to perform against high-level opposition.
The rising welterweight contender has steadily built momentum within the promotion and will now look to deliver another statement performance in front of a passionate home crowd.
Vanderlei “Soul Glo” Gonçalves Brings Knockout Power
Standing opposite Martins will be Gonçalves, a dangerous striker with a deep background in Muay Thai who has successfully transitioned into mixed martial arts competition. Known for his explosive knockout power, Gonçalves has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers on the Brazilian regional scene.
Among his notable achievements is a knockout victory over Carlos Prates, a standout striker and former LFA veteran who later moved on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
With a professional MMA record of 9-2, Gonçalves will aim to translate his elite striking pedigree into the biggest victory of his MMA career when he faces Martins in the main event.
LFA 229 Set for Action-Packed Card
With elite Brazilian prospects, rising international talent, and a welterweight main event featuring two dangerous finishers, LFA 229 promises to deliver an exciting night of mixed martial arts for fans in São Paulo.
Main Card
(Exclusively on VICE TV & LFA Fight Network – 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT)
Main Event – Welterweight (170 lb)
Richard Martins (10-1) vs. Vanderlei Gonçalves (9-2)
Co-Main Event – Flyweight (125 lb)
Felipe dos Santos (9-3) vs. Jenilto Matos (14-8)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
Vinicius Pires (11-2) vs. Tawan Ribeiro (9-2)
Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
Juliano Prescendo (11-3) vs. Khumoyun Tukhtamuradov (14-5)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
Diego Bianchini (9-2) vs. Gilberto Sousa (11-5)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
Renan Freitas (9-3) vs. Leandro Solano (7-1)
Women’s Flyweight Bout (125 lb)
Bianca Basilio (1-0) vs. Rafaela Guedes (2-0)
Preliminary Card
(Select bouts exclusively on Spectation Sports in the U.S. & Canada)
Heavyweight Bout (265 lb)
Guilherme Uriel (6-2) vs. Wagner Silva (4-0)
Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
Richard Silva (6-1) vs. Italo Cruz (6-2)
Women’s Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
Milena Galvao (4-0) vs. Djulia Ariana (4-2)
Light Heavyweight Bout (205 lb)
Alan Ribeiro (3-2) vs. Douglas Andrew (3-0)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
Leslie Jesus (3-0) vs. Maycon Douglas (4-0)
Flyweight Bout (125 lb)
Joao Victor Melo (5-3) vs. Claudio Meirelles (4-0)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
Thalyta Silva (2-0) vs. Maria Clara Andrade (4-0)
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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