The UFC is returning to the UK with a pay-per-view occasion subsequent 12 months.
The promotion introduced on Wednesday that UFC 286 is formally scheduled for Sat., March 18, 2023, at The O2 Enviornment in London, England. It’s the first pay-per-view occasion since UFC 204, the place Michael Bisping defended the UFC middleweight championship in opposition to Dan Henderson on the AO Enviornment in Manchester.
The UFC held two occasions at The O2 Enviornment in London this 12 months: UFC Struggle Evening: Volkov vs. Aspinall in March and UFC Struggle Evening: Blaydes vs. Aspinall in July. Following the success of these occasions, UFC president Dana White was wanting to return to the identical venue.
“Everybody is aware of how a lot I like our followers within the UK,” stated White by way of press launch. “We had two unimaginable exhibits in London in 2022, and this time we’re bringing a world title battle with the most important and baddest card we might put collectively at The O2 on March 18. The UK MMA scene is exploding with expertise proper now and I can’t wait to indicate you guys what now we have in retailer for you subsequent 12 months.”
Although it was not introduced, the world title battle White could possibly be referring to is Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3. After ‘Rocky’ shocked the world and dethroned the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ by fifth-round KO at UFC 278 in August, each males expressed curiosity in finishing their trilogy within the U.Ok. The newly topped UFC welterweight champion hoped for a stadium present in Wembley or Cardiff, however White stated he was involved about both of these places as their venues are outdoor.
“We will go to England each time the hell we need to now,” stated White at his post-fight press convention for UFC 278. “I imply, we might go to England — we had been promoting out England earlier than. Now you begin , do you do a much bigger enviornment? And I’m scared to go exterior. I’m undoubtedly scared to go exterior in England, so I’m severe, however joking about Wembley. Something is feasible in England now.
“It could be enjoyable, however yeah, it’s scary on the identical time,” continued White. “The climate isn’t the best over there in England.”
No different fights had been introduced for the pay-per-view occasion.
Keep tuned to Bloody Elbow for extra updates to UFC 286 as they develop into out there within the coming weeks.
