The first-ever show for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Dublin, Ireland, can already be considered somewhat of a success.
And we’re still more than two months away from fight night at The O2 on January 17.
That’s because UFC 93 has already sold out in about two weeks for the pay-per-view (PPV) event that is scheduled to help christen the refurbished facility, which can pack in about 10,000 screaming fans from the Emerald Isle.
Here’s what UFC UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik said in a recent press release:
“The UFC brand of mixed martial arts is the already biggest indoor sport in the UK — and we are ecstatic that the popularity and passion for the UFC is matched across the Irish Sea. This is our seventh successive sell-out in the British Isles since April of 2007, and we now hold records in six of the biggest arenas in all of Europe. We have the most dedicated and passionate fans in sport and we are thrilled to be bringing some of the biggest names in the sport to the Emerald Isle early in the New Year.”
The good news is that tickets can more than likely still be purchased through StubHub, which often has seats available even if the event is “sold out.”
Rich “Ace” Franklin (24-3) and Dan “Hollywood” Henderson (23-7) — two of the world’s most elite 205-pound fighters — will duke it out in the main event. And Brazilian powerhouse Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will return and look to get back in the win column as he takes on UFC pioneer Mark “The Hammer” Coleman.
For more on UFC 93 stay dialed in to MMAmania.com and remember to check out our event archive right here. Be sure to also check out the latest UFC 93 fight card and rumors right here.
32 Comments »
i cant wait for hendo-franklin!
i have wanted to see this fight for soooo long!
stinky is going to cause some troblin in dublin.
im there~
Are you actually going to UFC 93 Stinky? I can’t wait for it. For once I want have to travel to see an event myself. Should be good.
Good to see the people of Ireland supporting the UFC.
Franklin vs. Hendo is a DREAM fight, but the return of Shogun is what tickles my Fancy!
Mother F’in wAR SHOGUN!!!!!!
war shogun!
Yep Coleman is getting punched/knee’d/kicked all the way into his retirement home.
THIS IS A SICK CARD!!
anyone for a henderson/shogun parlay? should be about even money
IM with you Brendan!
I got coleman…motivated and trying to break some bones!!!
what up stink, you play poker at any of the bay areas card clubs?
5-0 college football last night bro!
Hey Kev: Did you go 5-0 in college football last night? Just meesen with ya bro, i read that in every tread though. LOL Great betting though!!!
yes I did, after paying the VIG (splitting) for 3 days, I’m 6-1 in 2 days bro. got 2 college and 1 pro game tonight + over/unders…lots of money to be made!!
I just stick with the pros, don’t follow college at all. I like the over in the den/clv game, but the 2 teams have been to unpredictable for me to pick a winner. Good luck
i like the over too, denver defense sucks and brady quinn has something to prove.
like browns too
Yea if I had to pick I would take clv 2, but brady has a short week to get ready. Maybe teez clv with the over.
lol, teased clev, over, tcu, over, maryland over
10 points pays 3/1
Where d’you get this info from mania?
Has ticketmaster confirmed this?
Franklin by SplitD….wish it could be a 5 rounder
Ohh yeah. Six seats in the front rows of the uppers in my hand. Bring it on!!!!!!
Would love to see another bigish name being added to the card. Jardine or Sanchez should be ready for their next fights.
Think Marcus Davis is gonna be too good for Chris Lytle too but should be explosive
Rich and Dan are 2 of my favorite fighters.Damm,This makes it hard to choose!If I really had to.I think it would be Hendo!I love both fighters though.Also glad to see The Hammer back!Sounds like a good card in the making!
Should be a sick! Anyone know any decent bars in Dublin, going be a messey weekend!
Would have liked o see Hendo/Franklin at 185lbs tho!
At 185? No way. Franklin will be a monster in this fight. He looked a bit soft in the Hammill fight but I am looking forward to seeing him in the best shape of his career.
I think this one will end in a Frankin decision or Hendo TKO.
PS – How pissed of will Franklin be when the Spider moves up a weight class
I still like them both at 185! 205 is already stacked and these guys are easily 2 and 3 at 185. From a fighters point of view they should be lookin to make the lowest weight possible within reason. However, i can understand the move up as they’re both some way behind Mr Silva.
ha, if Silva does move up….gutted!
Dont expect to see Coleman v Shogun …. Coleman will get injured. Who wants a bet?
Just for the record, Irish people generally don’t like the term ‘British Isles’ seeming as the Republic of Ireland is not part of Great Britain. ‘Great Britain and Ireland’ would suffice.
Ye langers mania, I hadn’t bought my tickets yet cause my friends were basically draggin thur feet and when I saw this post I was freaked!!!!
I ran straight in and got the some of the last few
DON’T SCARE ME LYKE THAT haha
got that right ian!
Coleman i sgoing to Dominate Shogun for sure. Especially if shogun comes in without help of steroids.
oh geez… prepare to get flamed colin, u think coleman never used steroids?
Lets go Hendo!! HEndo should win this I think.
To bad this fight is going to be at 205, I think it would be alot more interesting at 185.
Some one should remind UK Division President Marshall Zelaznik,that this is the republic of ireland and not any part of the British Isles