Brendson Ribeiro Pleads for Help Finding Missing Brother

Brendson Ribeiro used his microphone time after a submission win at UFC Vegas 122 to beg for help finding his brother, who he says has been missing from Brazil since late April.

Ribeiro (18-11, 1 NC) choked out Felipe Franco (11-3) with a guillotine at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, snapping a four-fight losing streak inside the organization. The win mattered on its own for a fighter who badly needed one. But Ribeiro barely talked about the fight once he got to the podium.

What Did Brendson Ribeiro Say About His Missing Brother?

Speaking through an interpreter at the UFC Vegas 122 postfight press conference, Ribeiro said his brother disappeared April 27 in his hometown in Brazil, and that authorities have yet to provide answers. He described the toll of six months without information.

"He is my blood brother from my dad's side," Ribeiro said. "On April 27, in the township that I'm from, the authorities have not said anything. My family has no voice there. As an athlete that has a platform right now, I just want to get it out there for someone to help us. Whether it's the governor or the mayor or the authorities, just to help us understand what happened."

Ribeiro said his family fears his brother is no longer alive but does not know what happened to him, and he appealed for information that could bring closure to his father, his brother's wife and the rest of the family.

"We don't think that he's alive anymore," he added. "We just want to understand. Give us some closure on this. Help us. Whether it's his remains. My dad is suffering. The wife is suffering. The brothers are suffering. I just want to make sure people understand we need some closure and some information and hopefully end this nightmare that's haunting the entire family."

A Needed Win Inside the Cage

The submission over Felipe Franco snapped a four-fight skid for Ribeiro, the kind of run that puts a roster spot in jeopardy inside the UFC's featherweight and lightweight divisions. For a fighter who had dropped four straight, a clean guillotine finish is the best possible way to buy time with matchmakers. None of that was on his mind once he stepped to the microphone, and it's a reminder that the stakes fighters carry into the cage often have nothing to do with wins, losses or rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Brendson Ribeiro say after his UFC Vegas 122 win?

Brendson Ribeiro used his postfight press conference at UFC Vegas 122 to appeal for help finding his brother, who he says has been missing from his hometown in Brazil since April 27.

Who did Brendson Ribeiro fight at UFC Vegas 122?

Brendson Ribeiro submitted Felipe Franco with a guillotine choke at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, snapping a four-fight losing streak in the UFC.

Is there any update on Brendson Ribeiro's missing brother?

As of Ribeiro's UFC Vegas 122 postfight comments, authorities in Brazil had not provided his family with answers, and Ribeiro said the family fears his brother may no longer be alive.