Mario Piazzon likes ‘hostile atmosphere’ with intense DWCS face-off, vows to ‘slice’ opponent’s face

Mario Piazzon is back on Dana White's Contender Series seeking a UFC contract, and he's embracing the hostile tension brewing ahead of his heavyweight bout against Guilherme Uriel on August 25 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Tension between the two Brazilian heavyweights escalated during weigh-ins on Monday when they engaged in a heated forehead-to-forehead face-off. According to Piazzon, Uriel has blocked him and his camp on Instagram, though Piazzon says he has done nothing to provoke the bad blood. Piazzon warned that if Uriel shows disrespect during their Saturday-night collision, the animosity will boil over into the cage.

Piazzon draws parallels to his previous DWCS appearance in September 2023, when he faced Alexander Soldatkin. That fight ended via disqualification when Soldatkin landed an illegal knee in the third round—a victory Piazzon credits with proving his toughness at the highest amateur level, despite neither fighter receiving a UFC deal that night. Piazzon said Soldatkin and his team, including Serghei Spivac, showed disrespect throughout fight week, which fueled his intensity. "I like that hostile atmosphere," Piazzon explained, noting that once the cage door closes, size and reputation disappear—only skill and willingness remain.

Since that 2023 appearance, Piazzon has endured a humbling journey. He suffered a brutal upset loss in Brazil to journeyman Alex Junius, who held a 15-39 record at the time, finishing him in under three minutes. Piazzon calls that defeat the biggest learning experience of his career, forcing him to abandon arrogance and respect every opponent's dedication. "There's no reason to underestimate another person," he said, acknowledging that Junius was also chasing his dream.

Now back on DWCS, Piazzon remains confident in his abilities. Uriel was recently finished by Josh Hokit in his last Contender Series appearance, giving Piazzon evidence of a beatable opponent. Still, Piazzon refuses to overlook him. "There are levels in this sport," Piazzon stated, predicting that once he lands strikes or secures a takedown, Uriel will not survive the onslaught. Piazzon's journey back to the Contender Series reflects both redemption and a fighter determined to prove he belongs at the top level of the sport.