Welsh MMA: The Untapped Potential for the UFC's Next Big Show
Image Credit: The wub
The UFC is one of the biggest sporting promotions in the world and has a worldwide fan base. The MMA juggernaut has put on many events worldwide. Furthermore, they will go to more places now, after the pandemic. The UFC has visited London many times and ventured to Glasgow and Dublin. Yet, they haven't put on a show in Wales. With talent like Oban Elliott, Jack Shore, and Cory McKenna, it only seems a matter time.
The UK Fanbase
The MMA fan base is one of the best in sports, and there is always a good atmosphere wherever the sport goes. MMA in the UK is massive now due to many outstanding fighters coming from the British Isles. Names like Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall have reached the sport's top. The fans in Britain always get behind their fighters and create a tremendous amount of noise in an arena. Events outside the United States are unique. The UFC has only hold a few events outside the USA in a year. With some potential contenders coming from Wales, it is the perfect time to have a show there.
Rising Welsh Stars
Recently, some great fighters have come out of Wales and would be perfect for a homecoming show. Shore has been impressive since his debut in the UFC and has notched up some great wins. The Welshman was even a ranked bantamweight contender before moving up to featherweight. If he notches up a couple of wins at 145, there's no reason he couldn't have a big fight in Wales. Elliott made his UFC debut at UFC 298. He defeated Val Woodburn and announced himself as a welterweight. In the women's division, McKenna is from Wales. She has a pro record of 8-2 and is the youngest British woman in the UFC. Wales has produced much talent over the years. This shows that it would be a great homecoming card for all these fighters.
Where Could The UFC Go In Wales
There are many venues for the UFC to choose from if they were to put on a show in Wales. The Principality Stadium would be perfect for a pay-per-view. It has hosted fights before and has a roof. So, if the company wanted to have a pay-per-view there, it would be a great choice. Wales also has smaller venues that can host a fight. For example, Joe Cordina has fought at the Utilita Arena Cardiff many times. Other stadiums exist in Wales, such as the Swansea.com and Cardiff City Stadium. There are many options that the UFC can host to fight at, so that's fine.
Wales is a great sporting nation, and seeing if the UFC ever comes to town will be fascinating.