LFA 238: Distrito #1, presented by Monster Energy, takes place Friday, July 31st at the Arena Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil. The main card will air live in the United States at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with a Spanish-language simulcast on ESPN Deportes. Internationally, the event will be available via ESPN across Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil.
LFA 238: Distrito #1 Brings Explosive Bantamweight Showdown to Brasília on July 31
The Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) is heading back to Brazil with another stacked night of mixed martial arts action, and the promotion is bringing a high-stakes bantamweight clash to the nation’s capital.
LFA CEO Ed Soares announced that LFA 238: Distrito #1 will take place on Friday, July 31, inside the iconic Arena Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil. The event features a battle between two of South America’s top bantamweights as hometown favorite Herbeth Sousa squares off against dangerous Uruguayan finisher Paulo Portillo in the main event.
Presented by Monster Energy, the card continues LFA’s mission of showcasing the next generation of UFC talent while highlighting elite fighters from Brazil and across Latin America.
Herbeth Sousa Defends Home Turf Against Paulo Portillo
Brazilian standout Herbeth Sousa (19-2) enters the biggest fight of his recent career looking to capitalize on home-field advantage in front of one of the country’s most passionate MMA crowds.
Widely regarded as one of Brazil’s most accomplished active bantamweights, Sousa has built an impressive professional résumé and now has an opportunity to move one step closer to an LFA Bantamweight Championship opportunity with a statement victory in Brasília.
Standing in his way is one of South America’s most dangerous finishers.
Uruguay’s Paulo Portillo (17-4) has earned 16 finishes in his 17 professional victories, including 11 submission wins and five knockouts. Known for his relentless pressure and ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, Portillo sees this as the biggest opportunity of his career and hopes to silence the hometown crowd while launching himself into title contention.
Ed Soares Excited for LFA’s Return to Brasília
“We’re excited to bring the LFA back to Brasília and launch Distrito #1,” said Ed Soares. “Brazil has always been one of the most important markets in the history of the LFA, and this main event showcases two of South America’s top bantamweights. Herbeth Sousa is one of Brazil’s most experienced contenders, while Paulo Portillo has built a reputation as one of the region’s most dangerous finishers. This is the type of matchup that can quickly move a fighter into title contention.”
Brasília has become one of Brazil’s premier destinations for mixed martial arts, producing world-class athletes while hosting some of the nation’s biggest combat sports events. LFA officials have chosen to brand future events in the Federal District under the Distrito banner, making this inaugural edition the beginning of a new tradition.
How to Watch LFA 238: Distrito #1
LFA 238: Distrito #1 takes place on Friday, July 31, at Arena Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Brazil.
The main card airs live in the United States on VICE TV beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with a Spanish-language simulcast on ESPN Deportes.
International viewers can watch on ESPN throughout Latin America, including Brazil, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Fans in Russia and CIS countries can tune in via Fight Club, while worldwide streaming will be available through the LFA Fight Network™ on YouTube.
Tickets are available now through Sympla.com.br.
LFA 238: Distrito #1 Fight Card
Main Event – Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Herbeth Sousa (19-2) vs. Paulo Portillo (17-4)
Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Luan Pedroso (12-4) vs. Wily Pereira (12-5)
Welterweight (170 lbs)
- Claudio Nardo (9-4) vs. Gabriel Vinicius (7-0)
Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Juan Pablo Vieira (9-0) vs. Eduardo Terêncio (9-4)
Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Daniel Araújo (8-1) vs. Victor Gabriel (8-6)
Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Rayan Kadosoe (4-0) vs. Felipe Rosa (3-0)
Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Aristides Vinícius (11-3-1) vs. Alexsandro Cangaty (12-4-2)
Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Marcio Cabral (12-4) vs. Romulo Oliveira (7-4)
Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Thiago Taveira (11-3) vs. Wendrio Chaves (5-0)
Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Ramana Toscanelli (5-1) vs. Carol Araujo (4-3)
Bantamweight (135 lbs)
- Neto Lopes (5-0) vs. Almir Augusto (3-0)
Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Pedro Souza (4-0) vs. Pedro Ribeiro (2-0)
Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Diego Costa (4-1) vs. Ricardo Lemos (4-0)
Women’s Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Julia Barros (2-0) vs. Amanda Rafaela (0-0)
