Surprise in Europe! The UFC lands in Belgrade and Spain continues dreaming about its debut

The mixed martial arts promoter expands its reach to the thirtieth country, while the enthusiasm for an event on Spanish soil remains alive.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the undisputed queen of mixed martial arts (MMA) globally, has announced a new and surprising stop in its unstoppable European expansion. On this occasion, the focus is on Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia, a territory that, although not known for its deep tradition in this sport, will become the thirtieth country to host an event by the American company. This strategic move highlights the ambition of Dana White, president of the UFC, to conquer every corner of the planet.

For a couple of years now, Spain has been on the UFC's radar as a market with considerable growth potential. However, the long-awaited premiere evening on national territory has not yet been able to materialize, leaving Spanish fans waiting for confirmation. The news from Belgrade, although exciting for MMA followers in the Balkans, rekindles hope that the Spanish dream is closer than it seems.

“I have always wanted to take the UFC to every corner of the world. Serbia will be our next stop,” declared White, visibly excited by the announcement. “The passion of the European fans is incredible and I am looking forward to attending our debut in Belgrade, where there will be high-quality fights,” added the executive, underlining the importance he gives to the European market.

With the inclusion of Serbia, the UFC adds a new country to its list of venues, reaching the number of thirty. Since its founding in 1993, the promoter has experienced exponential growth, consolidating itself as a world leader in mixed martial arts, one of the sports with the greatest projection today. Its international expansion did not begin until the end of the first decade of the new millennium.

The UFC's first big leap outside the United States took place in 2009, with London as the setting. Initially, expansion focused on English-speaking countries and markets with a strong sporting tradition. Australia (2010) and Canada (2011) were the next stops, followed by Brazil, a world power in martial arts. Japan, another stronghold of the sport, joined the circuit the following year. Until 2016, the UFC had visited only 14 countries.

The last decade has seen a doubling in the number of host countries. The most recent additions, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reflect the influence of petrodollars in transforming the global sports landscape, attracting large-scale events and consolidating the UFC's presence in emerging and strategic markets.

Although the full card for the event in Serbia has not yet been revealed, it is known that it will take place in the impressive Belgrade Arena, with a capacity for 24,000 spectators. It is rumored that renowned local fighters such as Uros Medic, number 13 welterweight, and Aleksandar Rákic, number 12 middleweight, could be the protagonists of the event. The evening will likely feature a notable representation of talent from the Balkan region, seeking to capitalize on local fervor.

“MMA has become an official and recognized sport in Serbia, with our athletes earning respect around the world,” said Luka Nikolic, president of the Serbian MMA federation. It is speculated that the federation has made a considerable investment to secure the event in Belgrade, with the aim of demonstrating Serbia's support for the MMA community and elevating the sport to a new dimension. The energy and passion of the local fans are emerging as a key factor in the success of the evening.

Meanwhile, in Spain, the excitement of seeing the UFC live remains intact. The Spanish-Georgian champion Ilia Topuria, one of the promotion's emerging stars, has slipped in recent statements that the possibility of bringing the UFC to Spain is closer than ever. Their great desire, and that of many fans, would be to fill the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, staging a historic landing for the promoter in the country. The exact date and location remain a mystery, but the hope of an event in Spain remains one of the great promises of the UFC's near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the UFC founded?: The UFC was founded in 1993.
In what year did the UFC hold its first event outside the United States?: The UFC held its first event outside the United States in 2009in London.
How many countries have hosted UFC events to date?: To date, thirty countries have hosted UFC events.
What is the name of the stadium where the event will be held in Belgrade?: The event in Belgrade will be held in the spectacular Belgrade Arena.
Who are two local Serbian fighters who could star in the event?: Two local Serbian wrestlers who could star in the event are Uros Medic and Aleksandar Rakic.
Which Spanish fighter has expressed his desire to bring the UFC to Spain?: The Spanish-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria has expressed his desire to bring the UFC to Spain.
What is Ilia Topuria's dream stadium for a UFC event in Spain?: The stadium dreamed of by Ilia Topuria for a UFC event in Spain is the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
Which European countries have recently hosted the UFC?: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar They have been recent headquarters of the UFC, although they are not strictly European, they do reflect the expansion of the promoter in the region.