Rafael Natal loved watching rodeos at MSG, and now it's his time to shine

Eight years after moving to New York, Rafael Natal will finally fulfill one of his dreams.

"Sapo" left Brazil for New York City in September 2008, and it only took him two years to sign with the UFC after winning the Ring of Combate middleweight title. Way before that, he already thought about fighting mixed martial arts in the "capital of the world." At UFC 205, on Nov. 12, he will have that chance, facing Tim Boetsch.

"Ever since I moved to New York, we dreamed about having MMA legal in the state to fight at Madison Square Garden," Natal told MMA Fighting. "I’m super excited. It’s an historic event that will be remembered forever. I want to thank my manager and the UFC that always gave me…