2012 is coming fast and the year promises to be big with title defenses, possible new contracts with fighters from Strikeforce and the return of UFC to Japan in February. Setting foot in the “Land of the Rising Sun” once again for an American based MMA giant like Zuffa, alongside their other international shows (Germany, Ireland, England, Australia, and Brazil) signifies the growth of the sport and its continued demand for event hosting. Wherever the event is held will boost local economies and tourism, which benefits the host for new tourism and the venue for new fans. Here are a few options where the octagon needs to settle in the new year, helping expand the landing points even more for the fastest growing sport in the world today.
HONOLULU, HI: Aloha UFC! Being home to one of the most recognized names in MMA (BJ Penn) and training home to top fighters and up-coming stars (Chris Leben, Kendall Grove, Brad Tavares and others) an event held out on the island would not only be pristine conditions but an excuse for mainland fans to take their dream vacation and watch a great fight. The Hawaiian fans are loyal to UFC when BJ fights over here and it is time to make a trip to the islands.
KANSAS CITY, MO: Home to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and MLB’s Kansas City Royals and other professional sports franchises, this city loves competitive sports. An event could be held in an outdoor stadium if held during the right time of year, with seating at Arrowhead Stadium exceeding 70k capable and Kauffman Stadium able to host 35k comfortably; it would be a nice Midwest show for MMA fans around.
CLEVELAND, OH: Cleveland rocks! The song says it all and so does the city’s dedication to sports and die hard fans. From the Indians, Browns and Cavaliers – these people love sports and will watch them good or bad, they are loyal. Fighters like Rich Franklin, Jorge Gurgel and others hail from “The Buckeye State” and could all assemble a great card for a deserving venue inside the Quicken Loans arena, which would seat 20k fans – perhaps a decent UFN event in the making.
MIAMI, FL: South Beach, one of the most recognizable city’s in the world for entertainment and sports. Home to some of the biggest basketball stars along with successful MLB and NFL franchises; it is also in the home state to one of the best MMA schools around – American Top Team. Zuffa and Co. would be wise to have a late spring or summer event in Dade County, where fans and fighters alike would be easy to turn out and enjoy the festivities.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Jackson’s MMA, arguably the most sought after and known mixed martial arts academy there is right now calls this city home. Also home to numerous fighters within Zuffa, the city holds University Stadium, a college stadium that can accommodate 38k fans and attract a new outlet for UFC. Hosting events at the alma matter of fighters and trainers alike is huge, the college crowds alone will sell tickets and fans willing to travel to their schools if they have a relationship will bring revenue in from new directions. With the talented roster being full of college grads, it would also make sense to have certain fighters headline or be featured on the card, selling tickets to alumni and MMA fans alike
Dana White has made it clear in the past and all the time that MMA/ UFC is in demand everywhere and he cannot get back to former host venues quick enough. Moving into new territories like the mentioned above will only help rotate between locations. It may be a long time before a fight is hosted close to home for some but as the sport grows so does the following.
