UFC plans new event in Manchester in 2013

MEN Arena, in Manchester, could host another edition of the UFC in 2013

UFC president Dana White announced his intention to hold another international event in 2013. The director's expectation is to hold the second edition in English territory this year. The target now is the city of Manchester.

The third largest urban area in the United Kingdom, Manchester has hosted two editions of the UFC to date. The first was historic for Brazilian MMA, when Gabriel Napao He spectacularly knocked out Croatian Mirko Cro Cop with a high kick, his rival's specialty, at UFC 70, in 2007. The victory is still considered one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history. UFC 70 was held at the Manchester Evening News Arena and attracted an audience of 15.114 people, generating revenue of 2,6 million dollars.

The UFC's second trip to Manchester took place two years later, at UFC 105. The event again took place at the Manchester Evening News Arena, which had an audience of 16.693 fans and revenue of 2 million dollars. The main fight saw Randy Couture win over Brandon Vera. In addition to this duel, UFC 105 hosted a title eliminator between Dan Hardy and Mike Swick, when the former won and secured his chance to challenge Georges St-Pierre. The event also featured the debut of the Swedish Alexander Gustafson, next challenger of Jon Jones.

This will be the first time since 2009 that the UFC goes to England twice in the same year. In February, the organization traveled to London to hold UFC On FUEL TV 7, an event that featured the defense of the interim bantamweight belt by Renan Barao. The Brazilian on that occasion beat the American Michael McDonald by submission.