RFA Champion Leandro Higo to Carry Olympic Torch in Brazil

Resurrection Fighting Alliance on Monday announced that bantamweight champion Leandro Higo will today carry the Olympic Torch when it passes through his hometown of Mossoro, Brazil.

The 2016 Summer Olympics Torch Relay began April 21 and will conclude at the opening ceremony on Aug. 5. The torch embarked on its Brazilian journey on May 3 in the nation’s capital of Brasilia and will eventually arrive at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

The Olympic Torch Relay is the relaying of the Olympic Flame from Olympia, Greece, to the site of an Olympic Games. The torch is carried by someone pertaining to sports, celebrity or the Olympics and then relayed to the next person. The relay continues uninterrupted until the torch finally makes its way to the site of where the Olympics for that year will officially begin. It was first performed at the 1936 Berlin Games and has taken place prior to every Games since.

“I am proud to bear the name of Mossoro, I love representing my city,” stated Higo. “I am very happy and thrilled to know that I will carry the Olympic Torch. It’s a dream, a gift, an honor for any athlete.”

Higo captured the RFA bantamweight title just 45 days ago when he submitted Joey Miolla via rear-naked choke in the opening round at RFA 37. “Pitbull” has been on a tear lately, having won seven consecutive bouts, all but one coming by way of knockout or submission.

Higo joins an exclusive club of combat sports participants who have had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch. Former UFC title challenger Ali Bagautinov, former Pride heavyweight king Fedor Emelianenko and boxing great Muhammad Ali all have carried the torch.