Since its start, the Brazilian event Rio Heroes has been criticized for its limited rules and for taking place inside academies and parking structures, creating a closed-door match environment. However, lately the show has been gaining a reasonable reputation, at least among fighters.

One of the most brutal Rio Heroes events took place Tuesday inside a half cage and without any gloves.

Tata Fight Team's William Vianna captured the super lightweight belt for the second time, beating three opponents. With the wins, Vianna became the second Rio Heroes competitor to grab two consecutive belts. The first was Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira's protégé Pedro Santos, who did it at middleweight.

Fighters are being attracted to test themselves in Rio Heroes at an impressive, increasing rate. Men like Santos, who has a good MMA résumé, are choosing to compete in the event, which sparks intrigue each time the promoters announce another show.

Former Chute Boxe lightweight prospect and PRIDE Bushido veteran Jadson Costa (Pictures) is the next in line to be featured at a Rio Heroes show. The Parana native was announced Tuesday as the promotion's newest acquisition.

At 5-3-1, the mixed martial artist has fought Takanori Gomi (Pictures) and will now compete bare knuckle for a lightweight championship at the 15th edition of Rio Heroes on Feb. 26.

Jorge Brito (6-4-1), a student of Royler Gracie (Pictures), is also scheduled to compete. ZST veteran Aloisio Barros (5-5) of Gracie Barra CT is a possibility for the card.