Brendson Ribeiro snapped one of the many highlights at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday, along with $25,000 bonus. The Brazilian light heavyweight rode a four-fight losing streak into last Saturday’s fight. But he managed to catch Felipe Franco coming in and submit him with a strong guillotine.
Ribeiro likely saved his roster spot with this win. In his post-fight presser, however, he talked about something bigger than the fight.
“Gorilla” revealed that he has a brother who has been missing for about six months in northern Brazil.
“He’s my bloodline on my father’s side,” Ribeiro said (h/t MMA junkie). “On April 27th, the authorities in the area where I come from have not said anything. My family has no voice there. As an athlete who now has a platform, I just want to bring it out so that someone can help us. Whether it’s the governor or the mayor or the authorities to help us understand what happened.”
Ribeiro added that he and his family believe his brother is likely dead.
“We don’t think he’s alive anymore,” he said. “We just want to understand. Stop this thing. Help us. Is it his remains. My father is suffering. My wife is suffering. My brothers are suffering. I just want to make sure people understand that we need closure and information and hopefully end this nightmare that is haunting the whole family.”
Ribeiro did not discuss the circumstances of his brother’s disappearance. However it happened, it’s commendable that Ribeiro was able to make it through the fight camp and compete, let alone win, under such circumstances.
