Manchester is calling: Bisping to fight at UFC 70 in England

The UFC is taking its show on the road, er, across the Atlantic Ocean in the next few months, according to MMAWeekly.com.

Slipped in at the end of a feature on British light heavyweight UFC fighter Michael Bisping (12-0), the article reveals that the Manchester Evening News Arena in the United Kingdom will host UFC 70 "later this year."

Here's the snip:

Bisping will next fight at UFC 70, which will be held in the UK in the later this year. His opponent is yet to be announced.

It will mark the first time since 2002 — and only the second time ever — that the UFC will stage an event in the most populated city in the European Union. At UFC 38, Matt Hughes (40-5) defeated Carlos Newton (13-11) at the "Brawl in the Hall" to capture the UFC welterweight title.

Dana White appears to be sticking with his plan to expand the global reach of the UFC. He's mentioned numerous times that Canada, England, Mexico and other countries are all destinations for future UFC shows.

Keep in mind that plans to debut in Canada with UFC 69 fell apart earlier this year. Until we hear confirmation from the UFC — or Dana White — UFC fans in the United Kingdom shouldn't hold their breath.

Even then, there still might be the need for cautious optimism.

Don't forget to check out Bisping article, which has some background on his UFC 66 experience and a reference to one day fighting in PRIDE FC???