UFC targets shows at Continental Airlines Arena, MSG

The Meadowlands — not Atlantic City — could be the next destination for the UFC in the Garden State, according to CBSSportsline.com.

According to a brief in the article, UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Marc Ratner, mentioned that the UFC is looking to hold a show on November 3 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Here's the snip:

... Ratner was a guest on The Scott Ferrall Show on Sirius Satellite Radio this past weekend. Ratner revealed the UFC is looking at holding an event on Nov. 3 at the Continental Airlines Arena in northern New Jersey.

Exit 16W off the infamous New Jersey Turnpike is a 30-minute drive from downtown New York City, representing a huge opportunity to cash in on one of the biggest markets in the world.

Traditionally, the UFC has held events in Atlantic City — about a three-hour drive from Manhattan. It's not exactly the most ideal trip for even hardcore fans.

And, the Arena holds thousands more than a convention center on the boardwalk, ensuring that the UFC could sell significantly more tickets.

However, New Jersey would be just a pit stop en route to bigger and better things across the Hudson River.

According NBCSports.com, talks are heating up to have Madison Square Garden host a show within the next 18 months -- certainly the holy grail for Zuffa here in the United States.

The last show in New Jersey was UFC 53: "Heavy Hitters" back in 2005.