UFC to likely return to Nationwide Arena in Ohio March 7, 2009
by MMAmania.com on Oct 13, 2008 1:41 PM EDT
33 comments
It appears to be a growing traditional right of passage -- when the Arnold EXPO sets up shop in Columbus, Ohio, for its annual convention -- the largest health and fitness expo in the nation -- the Ultimate Fighting Championship follows suit.
So has been the case for the last two years and it appears that 2009 will be no different.
Executive Director of the Ohio Athletic Commission, Bernie Profato, revealed in a Cleveland Plain Dealer article that the promotion "has tentative plans to return to Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 7, 2009."
The Arnold EXPO, which hosts 650 booths and more than 150,000 fitness fans, is scheduled to run from March 6-9.
If the event takes place -- and it more than likely will -- it will be the fourth major UFC event to be held in the "Buckeye State" since the promotion invaded Ohio for the first time ever in March 2007.
Here is the list of recent UFC events that the state has hosted:
UFC 68: "The Uprising" at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 3, 2007
UFC 77: "Hostile Territory" at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 20, 2007
UFC 82: Pride of a Champion" at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on March 1, 2008
UFC 82, the most recent pay-per-view (PPV) event to be held there, was a star-studded card that was packed with talent from the bottom up, featuring the 185-pound showdown between UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, and the last man to hold the Pride FC 183-pound belt, Dan Henderson.
In addition, Randy Couture blew the lid of the Nationwide Arena back at UFC 68 when he returned from retirement to score and improbable win over Tim Sylvia to capture the heavyweight title at the age of 43.
In short, Ohio usually plays hosts to some great UFC events. And although nothing is official at this time let’s hope the promotions stays true to tradition all the way around.
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How about a UFC event in New Mexico or Texas? I’d be happy with an UFN.
by RiverHorror on Oct 13, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
good morning guys, those of you keeping up with my contract negotiations, I was officially offered no raise for 5 years and start paying 30% (350 a month) towards my benefits. Needless to say we had a 100% vote to strike starting november 1. Hopefully they’ll meet in the middle, but if not, mania, you need someone to write or find stories???
by kevin doesn't know shit on Oct 13, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey good luck with that kevin, tough times in the world eh? hope everything works out for the best… i know we talk trash to each other but thats all a bunch of bs and i dont really take it too seriously, anyways, best of luck with that
by brendan on Oct 13, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks brendan, I’m already overpaid, but no raise is ridiculous! The company made 90 million first quarter, but we’re asking for aprox. 2 million over the year!
by kevin doesn't know shit on Oct 13, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was happy to get to the page today and see that. I’ve been to all 3 ohio events and will not miss that one.
by bassy on Oct 13, 2008 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe you could explain to us what a “fitness fan” is then? lol
by brendan on Oct 13, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
During the Arnold Expo they also have the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition, Women’s Fitness contest, Women’s Physique contest, Strogman contest,Powerlifting contest, and everything from martial arts to cheerleading competitions. So basically there are a lot of “physical fitness” events to watch, which people may be a “fan” of. I am a competitive powerlifter, and would love to go to the Arnoild Expo and a UFC event on the same weekend. Problem is that I live far away in Florida, and don’t want to freeze my balls off in Columbus, Ohio.
Hope that helps. haha
by naturalshadow on Oct 13, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
O-H-I-O. OHIO loves the UFC. Why not do a show in Cleveland lots of fans would love it.
by Spikemike on Oct 13, 2008 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lets see the winner of franklin vs. hendo fight chuck liddell on this card please.
by matt on Oct 13, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Any guesses for the main event?
Brock vs. Nog
Anderson vs. Chuck
by BNF on Oct 13, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
more like Brock vs. Mir II
Anderson vs. Marquadt II ?
by Anthony on Oct 13, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d guess Fitch will be on this card or at least I’d hope so.
by Arnold on Oct 13, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This could be ufc 95 or 96
Main event will be the winners of
Couture v Lesnar & Nog v Mir
by braveheart on Oct 13, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I bet it will be 96 as I’m sure they’ll have something in the middle of February
by Anthony on Oct 13, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
main event will be the winner of Couture v Lesnar & Nog v Mir
I rekon
by braveheart on Oct 13, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
YESSSSSSSSSSS… Finally they are back!!! I cant wait, I will be there!!
by 1-0 via Arm Triangle on Oct 13, 2008 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Drew Mcfedries will be stepping up to face Thales Leites at Ufc 90.
by Flying Knee on Oct 13, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nice, that’s an awesome fight, way better than the original plan. Reljic sucks. I can’t wait to see Leites back in action. They guy is a stud.
by Anthony on Oct 13, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if this is true he better hope he knocks thales out quick cause if this fight hits the ground the fight is over.
by matt on Oct 13, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
:) These are the times when I’m proudest to live in Columbus.
by Brandon on Oct 13, 2008 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How Bout the U.S Cellular Arena in milwaukee? Wisonsin loves MMa
by onthebutton on Oct 13, 2008 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I AGREE WITH THE FIRST POST! HOw about a San Antonio one… that’d be great!
by ccrattler on Oct 13, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I photographed the fight when Randy opened up a can of whoop ass. The venue is solid and I hope it returns. It will no doubt sell out.
by Isaac Hinds on Oct 13, 2008 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice. I love being there in Columbus watching these fights, first UFC 68 Randy vs. Tim, UFC 77 (Cincinnati) Silva/Franklin II, and UFC 82 Silva/Henderson. I would love to see Randy/Nog (which is very possible)
by "Mr. NC-17" on Oct 13, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You think the UFC would make Nog/Mir turn around only 8 weeks after fighting to fight again in what would be the biggest fight of their UFC careers?
by eazye on Oct 13, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not. You are right. So what would the main event be? Anderson Silva again? I dont think they wait that long, I think Anderson is the Co-Main Event against Nate Marquardt at UFC 94 BJ vs. GSP II or Cote vs. Marquardt.
by "Mr. NC-17" on Oct 13, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i might actually make my first ufc trip to ohio next year
by bryant on Oct 13, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You wont regret it. Trust me. Ohio MMA Fans are actually very very very smart and they are insane when it comes to MMA. Other than Canada, Columbus is possibly the 2nd craziest fanbase when it comes to live events.
by "Mr. NC-17" on Oct 13, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i live in columbus and spent close to 1,500$ on floor seats to all 3 and will drop another 400 come march 7th.. ohio may seem gay.. but the downtown scene is alright… good bars anyway…
by KrazyHorse2 on Oct 13, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shit i am already going to ufc 90 and 92 that will be 5 live events for me but just checked tickets it will cost twice as much for a seat to columbus then it would to chicago
by bryant on Oct 13, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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