Rodolfo Vieira returns from year-long layoff to face Chris Curtis
ADCC and IBJJF world champion Rodolfo Vieira has been booked for his 10th professional fight. On June 25 at UFC Fight Night, Vieira will take on the streaking Chris Curtis in a middleweight bout.
Curtis’ management, Iridium Sports Agency, first announced the bout.
This will be Vieira’s first fight since a July 2021 third-round submission win over Dustin Stoltzfus. Prior to that, Vieira suffered an upset loss to Anthony Hernandez at UFC 258; that loss remains the only of Vieira’s nine-fight professional career. Vieira had been slated to face fellow Brazilian Wellington Turman in January of this year, but was forced to withdraw due to medical reasons.
A veteran of 36 fights, the 34-year old Curtis is primarily a striker. Since joining the UFC in November 2021, Curtis has reeled off two straight knockout wins over Phil Hawes and Brendan Allen, respectively. Curtis was a substantial underdog in both of those bouts.
Vieira is one of the most accomplished jiu-jitsu competitors currently competing in MMA. He won gold at the IBJJF Worlds every year from 2011 to 2014, and in 2015, captured ADCC gold. Known for his pressure passing and top game, Vieira has not competed in grappling since a 2020 submission loss to Kaynan Duarte at Who’s Number One.
How to watch: UFC Fight Night takes place on Saturday, June 25, and will air live on ESPN+ (subscription required).
