Jose Aldo and Marlon Vera to headline Hype FC event in Quito

The Hype Fighting Championship is set to host a major combat sports event in Quito, Ecuador, on October 4, 2026, at the Coliseo General Rumiñahui. The card features high-profile submission-only grappling matches and bare-knuckle boxing.

UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo will make his return to combat sports in a submission grappling rematch against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. This marks Aldo’s first appearance since his MMA retirement. The two previously met in the UFC in December 2020, where Aldo won by unanimous decision. This rematch will be contested under submission-only rules, meaning no striking is permitted.

Ecuadorian fighter Michael Morales will also headline the event, facing Argentine Laureano Staropoli. Morales, a top-ranked UFC welterweight, will compete in the grappling format rather than traditional MMA. Promoter Armand Martirosian noted that the event aims to boost local interest and tourism, with international ticket sales already recorded from countries including the United States and Italy.