Santiago Bernabéu or Camp Nou? UFC plans to host event in Spain next year

MMA News 27 oct 2024, 08:47
Robert Sykes Robert Sykes Dailysports's expert
Santiago Bernabéu or Camp Nou? UFC plans to host event in Spain next year Photo: AP / Manu Fernandez

The possibility of a UFC event in Spain has been discussed for some time, with support from several figures, including Ilia Topuria, who successfully defended his championship title yesterday. Today, Topuria raised the subject once again.

Details: Following his title defense via knockout against Holloway, Topuria addressed the potential for a UFC event in Spain during an interview. He shared that he is lobbying to hold the event at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu but understands this may not align with UFC President Dana White’s vision.

Topuria remains open to other venues in Spain but is determined to push for the Bernabéu.

Quote: “I’m talking with [Dana White]. Soon, I’ll sit down and try to convince him about Bernabéu. At the same time, I understand that it’s a huge stadium, and he wants to create a good spectacle, to give fans an unforgettable experience. Ultimately, if you place [the octagon] inside Bernabéu, the fighters might look like ants from above. But there are more reasons than usual to do it there. We’ll have to sit down and discuss his concerns and so on. It may be resolved somewhere else, but I’ll insist on Bernabéu. I know how events are hosted there,” Topuria told Marca.

Following Topuria’s remarks, Dana White commented that plans for a UFC event in Spain are underway, potentially set for early 2025. White noted that Madrid and Barcelona are being considered as host cities.

“I just need the opportunity. It’s great that we’ve never missed out on what we wanted to achieve. It’s important for us to be in Spain in 2025. April or May seem like likely months for UFC’s arrival in Spain. In the past, it seemed impossible. Negotiations have stalled, and PPV events are already planned. Let’s remember, with Topuria as champion, it has to be a numbered event.”

Reminder: Today’s UFC 308 event took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The next numbered event, UFC 309, is set for New York, followed by Las Vegas. The location for UFC 311 has not been confirmed, but UFC 312 will be held in Sydney, Australia.

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