Dana White, the CEO of UFC, ignited excitement among fans with his recent announcement about the potential for the UFC to hold its first event in Spain, possibly as early as this year. Speaking at the press conference after UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, White emphasized the importance of hosting the event at a stadium, like the famed Santiago Bernabéu, rather than at smaller arenas.
White mentioned, "When we go to Spain for the first time, we’ll probably have to do it in a stadium," highlighting the need for large-capacity venues to accommodate the UFC's drawing power. This shift toward stadium venues aligns with UFC’s approach to generate significant fan attendance and create spectacular events, marking Spain as the next destination for their expansion.
Bringing the event to Spain is not just about venue selection. It's about capitalizing on the burgeoning local talent, particularly the Topuria brothers, Ilia and Aleksander. White expressed excitement at the prospect of having them both featured on the same fight card, stating, "Hopefully, we’ll do it there this year and I’d love to see both brothers on the card.”
Although the idea of featuring both Topurias on the same card excites fans, it raises concerns. Aleksander Topuria pointed out the potential disadvantages of fighting on the same night, arguing, "Fighting on the same card is not what we want, as we need to help each other prepare." This highlights how their familial and professional relationships intertwine within the competitive environment of the UFC.
When discussing Spain's potential, White reflected fondly on the local promotions and how well they are performing. "I know they’re doing well and making money,” he noted, acknowledging the positive environment for mixed martial arts (MMA) to flourish within the nation. His recognition of local promotions demonstrates the growing viability and significance of MMA within Spain.
With the growing presence of fighters like Joel Álvarez and Dani Bárez, the Spanish MMA scene is becoming increasingly competitive. This local talent creates additional storylines for the anticipated event, and UFC's interest could attract attention from across Europe and beyond. White's remarks suggest it is not just the Topurias he is excited about, as he continues to scout for other fighters who could add value to their Spanish event.
Despite previous skepticism about the feasibility of hosting the UFC event, White has now created optimism about the timeline, saying, "I’ve been talking about Spain for some time now. We are still trying to finalize it." His commitment to making this event happen reflects the UFC's strategic intention to penetrate more international markets.
To put this event together, White has emphasized the need to secure dates for the stadium venue. With existing scheduling conflicts at other arenas across Spain, White rejected the idea of using smaller venues or outdoor arenas. He reaffirmed, "When we go to Spain for the first time, probably it will be in a stadium. We hope to do it this year.”
The focus now shifts to logistics, and the discussions about Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu becoming the venue reflects this. The UFC has made it clear they prefer roofed stadiums to guard against unpredictable weather conditions when hosting events.
While the UFC aims to target Madrid, Valencia's Roig Arena has also been mentioned as another possible site, should scheduling allow. This flexibility indicates the organization's acknowledgment of varying venue capacities across Spain.
With Dana White's renewed confidence surrounding this event, many fans eagerly await more updates on when the UFC will officially announce its arrival to Spain. For MMA enthusiasts, the chance to witness premier bouts featuring top-tier talent, including the Topuria brothers, promises unparalleled excitement and showcases Spain's capabilities to host such large-scale events.
It is evident the UFC, with the backing of Dana White, is determined to expand its horizons and nurture local talent. The aspirations to hold events showcasing Spanish fighters contradict any initial doubts about the country’s readiness for such premier-level contention.