Super-heavyweight Zuluzinho is returning to action for the first time in years, facing a former TUF Brazil fighter.
A blast from the past is getting back into the fight game later this year. According to a new report from Sherdog, Wagner da Conceicao Martins, also known as Zuluzinho, has booked his first fight since 2010. The bout will come under Brazil’s Immortal FC banner. Facing him at the event on June 2 will be Job Kleber Melo, who competed on TUF Brazil 3 for the UFC.
Zuluzinho (11-8, 1NC) is no doubt best known for his fights in Pride, against the legendary Fedor Emelianenko and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira (Big Nog) among others. He finished 1-3 in the famed Japanese promotion, after being undefeated in his first eight fights. The super heavyweight, who was billed in the 390lb range, told Sherdog that “my motivation is, first of all, the Pride fans, who did not miss an edition of the event,” adding that he’s hoping his performance will see him invited back to Japan to compete in the future.
Of course, Pride was eventually bought out by the UFC. However, its successor, RIZIN Fighting Federation, has been on a steady upward trend, attracting fighters from around the globe.
Job Kleber Melo (3-5), meanwhile, will take on the massive Zuluzinho hoping to snap a five fight losing streak. Melo lost in the elimination round of TUF Brazil 3, and has struggled on the Brazilian regional circuit since.
