Rousimar Palhares paired with Mike Massenzio at UFC 142

Brazilian submission-specialist Rousimar Palhares has gotten his wish and will fight in front of his countrymen for a second consecutive time after a highly-entertaining war with Dan Miller at UFC 134 in his first go-round.

According to an official announcement from the UFC, Palhares will mix it up with Mike Massenzio when the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro on January 14 with UFC 142, a card currently headlined by Jose Aldo defending his featherweight belt against undefeated grappler Chad Mendes.

Palhares’ win over Miller featured one of the strangest, yet incredible, rounds in recent history after Palhares mistakenly started celebrating after thinking he’d notched a victory only to nearly get knocked out himself seconds later. However, “Toquinho” recovered to pick up a dominating decision win over the always-tough Miller, improving his overall record to 13-3 as a result.

Murilo Bustamante Talks Palhares’ Popularity in Brazil

Massenzio will be looking to go 2-0 since falling to Krzysztof Soszynski as a late replacement outside of his regular division. Also, with a 3-3 overall record inside the Octagon, the 13-5 Massenzio may be fighting for more than a win when he heads down to enemy territory early next year.

Other match-ups expected at UFC 142 include Thiago Tavares vs. Sam Stout and Anthony Johnson vs. Vitor Belfort.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC