SATURDAY NIGHT SEES two cultures collide as Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo do battle for the UFC featherweight title in Las Vegas.
It’s not the only rivalry Ireland and Brazil share, however, as our totally comprehensive and utterly serious list proves.
Samba v Irish dancing
The traditional dance styles of both nations. One generally involves wearing more clothes than the other.
Winner: Samba
Carnival v St Patrick’s Day
Two very different annual festivals, Carnival takes place in the days running up to Ash Wednesday, while Paddy’s Day is 17 March every year.
Rio de Janeiro
Dublin
Winner: Carnival
Christ the Redeemer v The Holy Stone of Clonrichert
Rio’s most famous statue stands 38 metres tall and sits on top of Corcovado mountain overlooking the city.
Okay, so the Holy Stone of Clonrichert isn’t strictly a real thing but it did play a pivotal part in one of the classic Fr Ted episodes.
Winner: The Holy Stone
The Seleção v The Boys in Green
So Brazil have won the World Cup more times (5) than Ireland (3) have qualified for the tournament, but we’ll always have Liam Brady’s winner at Lansdowne Road in 1987.
Winner: Let’s call it a draw
Copacabana v Dingle
Both beautiful beaches in their own right.
Winner: Too tough to call.
Wagner v Mary Byrne
Sorry, who? Contestants in the 2010 X Factor who were romantically-linked during the filming of the reality show. How could you forget?
Winner: Mary Byrne
Aldo v McGregor
Originally due to take place last July, this is sure to be one of the most highly-anticipated bouts in UFC history.
Winner… Takes all
