Centurion FC 23 made MMA history as the first event ever held on Copacabana Beach, crowning new champions and delivering unforgettable moments.

A Historic First: MMA on Copacabana Beach

On October 12th, Centurion FC made history by becoming the first MMA organization to hold an event on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. MMA is the second most popular sport in Brazil, and showcasing this beloved sport on one of the world’s most iconic beaches was truly an extraordinary occasion.

The arena setup on the beach offered a breathtaking backdrop as fans witnessed high-octane action in a location never before used for MMA. The mix of combat, the sound of the waves, and the energy from the crowd made CFC 23 a truly one-of-a-kind event, further establishing Centurion FC as a leader in innovative fight experiences.

Fight Night Results: New Champions and Epic Battles

CFC 23 delivered on its promise of excitement, from preliminary fights to championship bouts and the dramatic conclusion of our 4-man Grand Prix. Here’s how the night unfolded:

Prelims:

• Julio Cesar Neves claimed victory via Round 2 Arm Triangle, showing off his exceptional grappling skills.
• Kellison Souza won by Unanimous Decision, dominating his opponent with precision.
• Gustavo Ribeiro earned a Unanimous Decision victory, continuing his undefeated streak in a well-fought bout.

Main Card – Grand Prix Semi-Finals:

• Paolo Henrique Laia advanced to the final with a stunning Round 1 TKO.
• Anderson Ferreira followed up with his own Round 1 TKO, setting the stage for an explosive final.

Main Card:

• In K1 action (With MMA Gloves), Daniel Araujo secured a Round 1 TKO, displaying his superior striking power.
• Marcio Breno delivered a Round 1 TKO, overwhelming his opponent with a relentless offense.
• Matheus Mendonça submitted his opponent with a swift Round 1 Leg Lock, showcasing his grappling finesse.
• Yuri Neles won by Unanimous Decision, outmaneuvering his opponent to earn a hard-fought victory.

70 kg Championship Belt:

• Inglesson de Lara took the 70 kg belt with a dominant Round 1 TKO, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Centurion FC.

77 kg Championship Belt:

• Andre Borges claimed the 77 kg belt with a jaw-dropping Round 2 KO, delivering one of the night’s most memorable knockouts.

Grand Prix Final – 80 kg:

The night’s crown jewel was the 80 kg Grand Prix final, where Paolo Henrique Laia—who had already fought once earlier in the evening—secured victory with a Round 1 Rear Naked Choke, earning him the title of King of Brazil. Laia’s win was even more impressive given that he fought twice in the same night, something incredibly rare and physically demanding.

What makes this achievement even more admirable is that Paolo Laia is deaf, yet he dominated the tournament with skill and determination, proving that obstacles only exist for those who acknowledge them. His triumph at CFC 23 was nothing short of inspirational.

A Special Thank You to Our Fans and Partners

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who attended the event in person, as well as those who watched from home. Your passion and energy made CFC 23 a truly unforgettable experience. A huge thank you also to everyone who downloaded and registered on the CFC Arena App—you are the core of our Legion!

A big shoutout to our sponsors, partners and collaborators: 22Bet, SIGMA, Leone, CazeTV, FightBox, NBC Sports, Band Sports, BeIn TV, Rio Prefeitura – Esportes, G20 Social, LifeSport, Your Communication, and many others. Without your support, this incredible night wouldn’t have been possible.

Looking Ahead: Malta Awaits!

The excitement doesn’t stop here! Our next event will take place in Malta on November 13th, so mark your calendars for another night of epic fights and high stakes.

In the meantime, don’t forget to be part of the action off the mats—download the CFC Arena App and vote for the Best K.O., Best Fighter, and Best Ring Girl from CFC 23! Your votes will determine who earns the extra bonus money, and by voting, you also get a chance to win a trip to Europe to attend one of our future events! (T&Cs apply).

But that’s not all—starting tonight (October 15th, 2024), you can also vote for the Best Loser from the 9 fighters who were unfortunate at CFC 23. The winner will earn a second chance to fight in 2025, despite their loss. Plus, one lucky voter will win a brand-new Tablet! Don’t miss your chance to influence the future of Centurion FC—download, register, and vote now to win big!

Be Part of the Decision: You Call the Shots

At Centurion FC, you are the decision-makers. Through our unique voting system, the fans have the power to decide who gets the bonuses and who deserves a comeback. The app is your portal to shaping the future of our fighters and being rewarded for your participation. Vote Now and stay tuned for more!