It's (almost) time!

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will return to the "Land of the Rising Sun" for the first time in more than a decade when the world's largest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion stages an event at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, this upcoming Saturday (Feb. 25, 2012).

Much has changed since that time, particularly with Zuffa's purchase of Pride FC back in 2007, which served as Japan's leading source of combat sports for so many years.

The good news is that the UFC will return with one of its biggest stars from back in the heyday, Quinton Jackson, who takes on Ryan Bader in the co main event. And one of its most recognizable carry overs, former Pride FC lightweight champion Takanori Gomi, will also be back in action against Eiji Mitsuoka on the under card.

It's clear that the UFC marketing machine is approaching this particular event differently, with its event posters, viral videos and now shadow-casting Octagon.

Impressed?

To check out the latest UFC 144 fight card, which is headlined by a championship match between Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson, click here. Be sure to also check out our complete UFC 144 event archive right here.