Report: UFC headed to Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey in November?

by MMAmania.com on May 31, 2007 9:30 AM EDT Comment 20 comments

ufc prudential center at new jersey

UFC President Dana White recently confirmed that the UFC is headed back to New Jersey before the end of the year for the first time since 2005.

We passed along a similar report back in February. However, at that time the timeframe was a little more ambiguous — so too was the possible venue.

The Continental Airlines Arena and somewhere on the Atlantic City strip appeared to be the logical and likely destinations.

Well, CBSSportsline.com is reporting that the Prudential Center — the new downtown arena currently under construction in Newark (slated for completion early this fall) — might get the nod sometime in November.

Here's the snip:

"A deal is close to being finalized that would bring the UFC to Newark, N.J., for an event in November. The card would be held at the new arena being built for the New Jersey Devils of the NHL."

Having roots in the Garden State, as well as somewhat of an extremely small hand in the approval process of getting the arena built, this comes as a personal pleasure.

Right before I bolted for the sunny shores of Florida, I worked for a public relations firm headquartered in Newark that was responsible for convincing the city and state officials, as well as residents, to build the arena.

It was an uphill climb and it often seemed like it would never become a reality.

When ground was finally broken two years ago on the project, it was great to know that my New Jersey Devils would have a new roof to play under. And, that I'd be able to literally walk down the street and snag a seat anytime I wanted.

Now, the UFC is on the verge of invading the new building and 18,000 New Jersey fans will get to enjoy the show.

It just sucks I'm no longer one of them.

(By the way the CBSSportsline.com article referenced in this post has a fantastic write up of the new UFC light heavyweight division -- the bit about New Jersey was just a small news item. Check out the entire article when you have some time.)

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UFC @ MSG!!! Is my dream as a MMA fan..now until then UFC in Newark is a nice treat..I’ll would for sure be there.

by PhilQNY on May 31, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

crickets chirping on this topic

by Mamas Boy on May 31, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

crickets chirping on this topic

Yes, I guess not too many UFC fans from Jersey are online today.

Contemplating buying a ticket and heading up that way if and when this happens — especially if it’s a sweet main event.

by UFCmania on May 31, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I am very excited to hear this. November is right around the time of potential fights between Rampage/Dan Henderson or Hughes/Serra or Liddell/Silva . I would LOVE to see either of these fights. Of course the Rampage/Hendo fight is one of my dream fights. I live in CT and the last PPV I attended was in Nov 2005 at Mohegan Sun. That was the Arlovski/Buentello PPV. Not quite the best PPV ever, but was there live for Forrest Griffins only UFC knockout which was cool. Can’t wait to see the UFC live again!!!!!!!!!!

by ViolentMike on May 31, 2007 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Huge, dont care who is fighting, I am there. Never seen an event “live”, it is going to be off the hook.

So let me get this straight and please confirm if anyone knows. But does this mean that in 07 – 08 that UFC will be in MSG, Continental and Prudential.

If this is true, im gonna need a second job :)

by mayberry on May 31, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This would be a good venue for Serra vs. Hughes.

by Russ on May 31, 2007 11:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

O ill be there..

by LongIslandguy on May 31, 2007 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Huge, dont care who is fighting, I am there. Never seen an event “live”, it is going to be off the hook.

So let me get this straight and please confirm if anyone knows. But does this mean that in 07 – 08 that UFC will be in MSG, Continental and Prudential.

If this is true, im gonna need a second job :)

This post does not “mean” that. In fact, the Prudential venue isn’t even scheduled yet. But Dana does seem dead set on NJ and MSG, which is positive. Only a matter of time.

by UFCmania on May 31, 2007 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I guess not too many UFC fans from Jersey are online today.

Contemplating buying a ticket and heading up that way if and when this happens — especially if it’s a sweet main event.

Rofl, lay off the guy…
I know Jesse is from NJ, so am I. Im all about going to this event…

PLUS… its not the fact that the UFC is trying to fight in Jersey, its the fact that MMA is breaking through with aareas that have denied them in the passed.

by Luppers on May 31, 2007 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This post does not “mean” that. In fact, the Prudential venue isn’t even scheduled yet. But Dana does seem dead set on NJ and MSG, which is positive. Only a matter of time.

Thanks for the clarification Mania, still awesome news and I cant wait. All 3 venues that I mentioned are within 30 minutes, so this is HUGE for me

by mayberry on May 31, 2007 12:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m from Texas, plus I’m poor, so I would have to walk then sneak through the back, then eat from a vendors trash can, then sleep outside in the ditch, then walk back home……Well that just sounds like hell……..I guess I’ll see you guys there, save me a seat!

by c-war on May 31, 2007 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

When the details come out Luppers I’ll give you a call and we’ll hit it up…

by Jesse Holland on May 31, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

NEWARK! I love the UFC, but I dont feel like getting my car stolen just to see an event live. Looks, like I’ll have to get a friend to drive.

by Mahde on May 31, 2007 9:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well it is nice to see them getting around, I wonder if there is any future here in Oregon. I doubt it, but I can hope!

Later
Chris Valentine

by Chris Valentine on May 31, 2007 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

When the details come out Luppers I’ll give you a call and we’ll hit it up…

Im all for it, Ill bring my GF just incase things get rough in Newark.

by Luppers on Jun 1, 2007 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

NEWARK! I love the UFC, but I dont feel like getting my car stolen just to see an event live. Looks, like I’ll have to get a friend to drive.

Do what I do, take the train to Newark Penn Station, then take the shuttle to the arena.

by Jesse Holland on Jun 3, 2007 2:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

MY BOYFRIND STEVE IS A BIG FAN!!! I WOULD LOVE TO GET HIM TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT IT WOULD MAKE HIM SO HAPPY!!!!!!

by ANDREA DELEON on Jul 16, 2007 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

newark = full of brazilians
def good for a liddel vs silva

silva is idolized here in newark

i rather see shogun though.. or both

brazilians have alot of pride.. they would pay w/e to go support a fellow brazilian

ex. boxing
with acelino freitas

by Diogo on Aug 25, 2007 4:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

GREAT MOVE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTING IN NEWARK NEXT COMES BOXING THEN WE DON’T HAVE T6O WORRY ABOUT ALL THE NAYSAYERS SAYING IT WON’T WORK ONE OF THE BEST LOCATIONS IN AMERICA NEWARK NJ ON THE RISE

by warren on Sep 22, 2007 7:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs