Ivanlino "Cafu" Santos defends lightweight title in the next episode of RioHeroes, the world's only hard-core bare-knuckle fighting league.

September 20, 2007, Rio, Brazil- The cage is set. The warriors are ready. Come September 25, 2007, at 7 p.m., Ivalino "Cafu" Santos will stand up and defend his championship belt. It won't be easy. Seven determined street fighters want to snatch glory away from Cafu. The eight man tournament is going to be a spectacular display of bare-knuckle brawling that could end with the crowning of a new Rio Hero.

The first qualifying match pits Anderson Deus against Joao Santos, a couple of Muay Thai masters hungry to move up the Rio Hero ranks. Cesar Marcussi, a fighter with exceptional Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai training, squares off with Paulo "Bananada" Da Silva, a lighting fast wrestler who incorporates Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai techniques into his fighting style.

The winner of the Marcussi-Da Silva bout will go up against the winner of the third qualifier featuring Udi Lima versus Marcio "Ze Pequeno" Soares. "Udi Lima is one of the favorites," says Rio Heroes referee Jorge Pereira. "He is a complete fighter, like Cafu." But Lima will have his hands full with Ze Pequeno, a Jiu Jitsu-Muay Thai-Wrestler who enjoyed stealing other kids' lunches growing up in the streets of Rio.

Reigning lightweight champ and Capoeira master Cafu takes on Liearte Azevedo in the final qualifying match. Cafu won his title in brutalizing fashion in Rio Heroes 6. His challenger, Leiarte, is an up-and-comer representing the meanest, roughest ghetto in Rio. "These guys are the best in the world," Perreira says. "They are doing things I have never seen in my 27 years of jiu jitsu and martial arts experience under Rickson Gracie (Pictures). This will be one of our most aggressive events."

For more information contact Rio Heroes: 561-347-8259 or via email - justin@toughsportslive.com