UFC overhauls Hall of Fame, plans physical location for future inductees

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will once again hold its Hall of Fame (HOF) induction ceremony during International Fight Week, which coincides with the upcoming UFC 189: "Aldo vs. McGregor" pay-per-view (PPV) event on July 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But the 2015 class will get a bit of an upgrade.

With 12 inductees already resting within the imaginary halls, the promotion announced plans to build a physical location for future ceremonies, which will also be able to flaunt memorabilia from the careers of the select mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters enshrined.

That's not all.

The HOF is also "evolving into a unique four-category system, enabling UFC, media and fans to celebrate and commemorate the greatest achievements in the organization's history in a well-defined historical context," according to today's press release.

The four new UFC Hall of Fame categories are:

Modern era wing: commemorating fighters who made their pro MMA debut in the modern era

Pioneers era wing: commemorating fighters who made their pro MMA debut in the pioneers era

Contributors wing: commemorating significant contributions outside of active competition

Fight wing: commemorating the greatest and most important bouts in the sport's history

"The UFC Hall of Fame has an important job," said UFC President Dana White. "It not only celebrates greatness but it helps pass stories of the greatest athletes and fights in UFC history on to the next generation of fight fans. We're looking forward to announcing the class of 2015 and what is going to be a great induction event on July 11."

UFC released a HOF media FAQ right here.

For more on International Fight Week, as well as the UFC 189: "Aldo vs. McGregor" showdown this summer, click here.