UFC 198
UFC 198: Werdum vs. Miocic took place on May 14, 2016, at the Arena da Baixada located in Curitiba, Brazil, featuring a mixed martial arts competition.
Background
Originally promoted as a Fight Night event headlined by former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort facing off against former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza, the occasion was later elevated to UFC 198. This change occurred after cancellations led to the reclassification of what was initially planned as UFC 196.
On March 4, it was officially announced as a pay-per-view event headlined by a UFC Heavyweight Championship clash between reigning champion Fabrício Werdum and leading contender Stipe Miocic. Their matchup had been briefly scheduled for UFC 196 but was postponed due to injuries and alterations in opponent lineups.
This event represented the UFC’s debut in Curitiba and marked its fourth stadium-based show, following previous events held in Canada, Sweden, and Australia.
A lightweight contest between Evan Dunham and Leonardo Santos was rescheduled for UFC 199, as Dunham suffered a minor injury.
The fight card also showcased the eagerly awaited debut of local fighter Cris Cyborg, former Strikeforce Women's Featherweight Champion and reigning Invicta FC Featherweight Champion, competing in a 140-pound catchweight bout against Leslie Smith.
Kamaru Usman withdrew from his bout two weeks prior due to injury, with promotional newcomer Luan Chagas stepping in to face Sérgio Moraes.
Four days before the event, former Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva was forced to withdraw because of acute cholecystitis, necessitating surgical treatment. Although the UFC sought a replacement fighter, his opponent Uriah Hall declined to compete on short notice.
During the main card broadcast, the UFC announced that former interim Heavyweight Champion and Pride Heavyweight Champion Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame during International Fight Week in July, following UFC 200.
Bonus awards
The following athletes were awarded $50,000 bonuses:
- Fight of the Night: Francisco Trinaldo vs. Yancy Medeiros
- Performance of the Night: Stipe Miocic and Ronaldo Souza