The UFC announced Wednesday morning that it will hold its first event in Russia. "UFC Fight Night: Moscow" will take place Sept. 15 at Olimpiyskiy Arena.
"Russia is a key part of UFC's international expansion strategy," David Shaw, senior vice president of UFC international and content, said in a news release. "The demand from our fans to bring a live event to Russia has been overwhelming, and with the vast potential this market holds for us, we knew this was the perfect time to bring UFC Fight Night to Moscow."
Popularity for the sport in Russia has grown immensely in recent years. UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0) is from Dagestan. So is top featherweight prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov (15-1), who has won all three of his UFC bouts thus far. Alexander Volkov (30-6), a Moscow native, ranks as the UFC's No. 3 heavyweight contender.
No matchups have been set at this time. Tickets for the event go on sale June 1.