butterknifeninja Hall of Famer
Posts : 1310 Standard Cash : 4208 Reputation : 123 Join date : 2011-07-06 Age : 43 Location : Rhode Island
| Subject: UFC Returning to Japan in February ! Tue Sep 06, 2011 9:48 pm | |
| Sherdog - Quote :
- In a Tuesday press conference at Shinjuku Wald 9 Theater -- the same locale used to screen UFC Live and Fight Night events on the big screen -- the UFC formally announced their plans to bring the Octagon back to the Land of the Rising Sun on Feb. 26, 2012.
While a November timeframe was announced for card finalization, all of the Japanese fighters currently on Zuffa roster -- presently, Yushin Okami, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, Hatsu Hioki, Michihiro Omigawa, Takanori Gomi, Riki Fukuda, and Takeya Mizugaki -- were mentioned as likely participants for the event. The UFC will also be aiming for the heart of major-scale MMA in the country by staging the event at the Saitama Super Arena, frequent home to Dream and the defunct Pride Fighting Championships, which will be scaled to accommodate 20,000 seats.
News of the Japan return was delivered via a recorded video message from UFC President Dana White, who expounded on Japan's role in developing the sport and contributing some of its biggest names in Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Dan Henderson, and Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.
Following White’s address, Zuffa LLC Asia Executive Vice President and Managing Director Mark Fischer addressed those in attendance.
“We want to let everyone know that we will be bringing the same high level of UFC competition, the same world class show and presentation, and great fights and the greatest athletes in the world to Japan.”
A 12-year veteran in spearheading the NBA's expansion in Asia, Fischer noted the economic potential for a UFC Japan show.
“To give another idea of the scope of this event, it will literally be witnessed by millions of fans all over the world,” said Fischer. “Moreover, this event will be a boon for Japan's economy. For example, UFC 100 in Las Vegas generated more than $51 million for the local economy. In Sydney, Australia, our two events generated over $30 million for the local economy. We're pleased to bring the similarly anticipated event to Saitama and the greater Tokyo area.”
Fischer also stated that UFC events in Japan and the Asia region would become regular destinations for the promotion.
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DEP Internet Troll Champion!
Posts : 1768 Standard Cash : 9684 Reputation : 182 Join date : 2011-07-07
| Subject: Re: UFC Returning to Japan in February ! Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:41 pm | |
| RedEyedKnight is going to poop himself. | |
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KingPin Sparring Partner
Posts : 99 Standard Cash : 5390 Reputation : 34 Join date : 2011-08-09
| Subject: Re: UFC Returning to Japan in February ! Tue Sep 06, 2011 10:43 pm | |
| to go or not to go?
i am seriously considering flying out to Japan for this event. it'll kill two birdds with one stone - attending another UFC event and visiting Japan for the very first time.
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Chrom Hall of Famer
Posts : 5966 Standard Cash : 23051 Reputation : 257 Join date : 2011-07-06 Age : 43 Location : Minnesota
| Subject: Re: UFC Returning to Japan in February ! Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:47 am | |
| well, then the clear answer would be "To go"! War JUFC Im willin to bet Cro-Cop will be on the card... RedEyedKnight = pleased | |
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| Subject: Re: UFC Returning to Japan in February ! | |
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