UFC President Dana White stated in a recent interview with The Gainesville Sun that he plans to bring more big shows to the Sunshine State — possibly as early as 2008.
Here’s a snip from White:
“We’re going to get all around Florida. I want to do a big pay-per-view down there real soon.”
Miami, naturally, and the American Airlines Arena — with a maximum capacity of 20,000 — would be the likely destination for a major event in South Florida. In fact, the venue has already hosted a UFC event, UFC 42, in April 2003.
Of course, Hollywood, Fla., has hosted three successful UFC Fight Night events in the last year, the last of which was on June 12, 2007.
White indicates in the article that, in addition to Miami, the promotion is also considering other locations such as Tampa and Gainesville.
I’m curious to see if the UFC would actually venture so far north to Gainesville, a site that doesn’t offer much besides the University of Florida — the place didn’t even have a Starbucks up until a few years ago.
Regardless, Florida is a huge market for mixed martial arts. And each time the UFC visits, at least from what I have witnessed, there is a buzz in the air.
Coming back to Miami — after the growth the UFC has experienced during the last two years — would take it to an entirely different level.
19 Comments »
This should be a successful event as all others. As long as the card meets expectations
Florida has some of the biggest name MMA schools in the country. HUGE market for MMA.
I know of ppl wanting to move there for the training schools.
I want the UFC to come back to Mohegan Sun or Atlantic City. They haven’t been in my area since Novemober 2004. It used to alwasy be in Vegas, or another casino for the most part. Now they are venturing to Europe and every state possible. I wonder if I’ll ever even get to see another UFC live in person.
i hope they come to orlando once we get the new arena
[quote post=”2578″]I want the UFC to come back to Mohegan Sun or Atlantic City. They haven’t been in my area since Novemober 2004[/quote]
Actually, the event you are referring to was UFC 55: Fury, and it was October 7, 2005, but I know what you mean. I was at the event with some homies and it was awesome. Hopefully they come back!
OH yeah, my bad homie. I knew it was almost 2 years ago and the quick math in my head did 2007 minus 2 = 2004. I need to get punched and kicked in the head a little less often.
If the UFC comes to Jersey, Im all over it…
AC, Trenton, Newark… wherever, I’ll be there.
[quote post=”2578″]I need to get punched and kicked in the head a little less often. [/quote]
Really!?? Are you training to fight too? I currently am 3-14, I’m 6 foot 3, 220lbs, and fight against midgets.
Anyone else the White might try to sign Kimbo for the Miami card? Not saying he is UFC ready but it would be interesting.
The UFC doesn’t want Kimbo.
Once he is put up against some real competition, his fans will begin to see that he’s all internet hype. I don’t think that will happen for a while however, as it pays to cash in on the hype by giving him easy wins.
[quote comment=”93095″]Anyone else the White might try to sign Kimbo for the Miami card? Not saying he is UFC ready but it would be interesting.[/quote]
I wouldn’t sign Kimbo if i was Dana, theres no point he isn’t UFC caliber. It would be like signing Tank and media would look at it and say that UC is for brutes.
Does anybody know which US states DON’T sanction MMA? I know Ontario Canada doesn’t, which is too bad since Toronto is a big MMA market.
Now that’s just too sweeet. I’ll be back home for good by then too. Can’t wait.
Pat, check out this site…
http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/USAStates.htm
I’m also hoping that the event is in Tampa- I think it would be at the St. Pete Times Forum, which is where the Lightning play.
i think it would be sick if
it came a little closer to the beach..
like orlando or something.
but other then that tamps
would be pretty straight.
This will be a great thing for the UFC if they could do shows in the American Airlines Arena.. Also for the mixed martial arts community in miami. Of course there is always a great hype when there is a UFC show.. Tough Academy always keeps people up to date in the news section of all upcoming events.
http://www.ToughAcademy.com
i and two of my three daughters would pay big bucks for front row seats, for a chalinging card. in miami,f.t lauderdale,pembroke pines,even miami. R E S P O N D ./