Report: UFC looking to book first-ever event in Moscow this September

Don’t look now but Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) may finally be touching down in Russia in 2018.

Per a report by Denis Geyko of RT Sport, UFC has booked an event for Moscow’s Olympiyskiy Stadium this September. Geyko reached out to the venue and confirmed that UFC reserved Sept. 14th and 15th.

However, when ESPN reached out to UFC for an official announcement, the promotion indicated that nothing is set in stone.

“UFC continues to make progress in the Russian market and is actively working on a partnership that could result in the global brand potentially hosting its first-ever event in Russia in 2018,” UFC officials said in a statement.

”As standard operating procedure, UFC strategically holds dates with venues around the world in order to continually develop its brand internationally by bringing fight fans world-class events.”

Despite conflicting reports, UFC has been trying to get into the Russian market for quite some time now and this further indicates that 2018 may be the year. When you consider that the Olympiyskiy Stadium can accommodate up to 35,000 fight fans, the promotion would be foolish not to explore options for this fall.

If the report is true and UFC is planning on hosting an event in Moscow this September, a lightweight showdown between UFC champion Conor McGregor and undefeated Russian contender Khabib Nurmagomedov would have to be on the table.

After all, “Notorious” recently expressed his interest to compete in Russia, while Nurmagomedov has lobbied heavily to bring the massive mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion to his home country.

Stick with Mania for ongoing updates.