3 minutes The UFC has hosted only two numbered events in the UK, with the most recent being UFC 286 in March 2023, where welterweight champion Leon Edwards successfully defended his title against Kamaru Usman during an electrifying five-round bout at the O2 Arena.
Dana White has revealed that an announcement regarding the date for an upcoming UFC numbered event is imminent, promising fight fans that the details will be unveiled "literally days" from now. This much-anticipated event is set to take place in 2024.
The UFC has hosted only two numbered events in the UK, with the most recent being UFC 286 in March 2023, where welterweight champion Leon Edwards successfully defended his title against Kamaru Usman during an electrifying five-round bout at the O2 Arena. This was one of the top UFC betting events of the year!
Given the rising prominence of British fighters like Edwards and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, there has been a growing demand for more UFC events in the UK. White, the franchise president, confirmed on Tuesday that plans are underway to bring a major event to British soil this year. "I have an English heavyweight champion and lots of other European stars," White expressed to TNT Sports. "But two champs now out of England."
He detailed the process of organizing such events, saying, "So we have these teams that build their different pieces of the puzzle. Then they come together with me, and I start trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle together - 'no, this doesn't fit here, this has got to go' - that's how it all works. We have these fights going on that are like, 'wait, we're going to do this where?' No. We're going to England."
White shared his enthusiasm about returning to the UK, stating, "We're coming, and I got great fights lined up for the UK fans and I'm excited to get back there. Haven't been to England in a minute. I'm excited to get back there."
When asked about the timing of the official announcement, White assured, "Literally, in days. We're right there, working on this stuff. We've got some badass plans for England."
He emphasized that the upcoming event would not be just a regular Fight Night but a "Numbered cards. Pay-per-view. A great one."
White had previously hinted at a British double-header following Edwards' victory over Colby Covington, suggesting it "made sense" for the champion to fight next in his homeland. Edwards supported the idea, saying, "UK martial arts is popping right now. You have me, Tom Aspinall and it would be great to headline a card in the UK - have me and Tom headline it. That's my dream and I know it's Tom's too to go back home and have a massive sold-out stadium event."
The 32-year-old Edwards even proposed a potential venue for the event during a half-time appearance at an Aston Villa match, where he said, "I will defend my belt in April at UFC 300 in Vegas again, then hopefully in the summertime get a fight back home in Birmingham at Villa Park."
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