UFC has announced their return to Japan this February 26, 2012. Dana White proudly spoke of the event:
“This February, the wait is finally over – the UFC is coming back to Japan. For fans in Japan who’ve never witnessed a UFC event live, this is going to be an incredible experience and one you won’t want to miss. It’s been over 10 years since a UFC event was held in Japan and we’re pumped to bring the fastest-growing sport in the world there once again.
Japan has played a huge role in helping get the sport of mixed martial arts to where it is today. UFC stars such as Rampage Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Minotauro Nogueira and Mirko Cro Cop all made names for themselves fighting in PRIDE and dozens more fought in front of the passionate Japanese fans at some point in their careers.
Japan has also produced world-class fighters such as Yoshihiro Akiyama, Takanori Gomi and Yushin Okami, all of whom have represented their country well in the Octagon, headlining major UFC events all over the globe.”
Japan played host to four UFC events from 1997 to 2000 with the last event held being UFC 29. More information on the event to come.