The UFC is back in Canada.
The mixed martial arts organization mentioned that the UFC 289 gala will take place on June 10 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
UFC President Dana White made the announcement Friday in a video shared on social media.
“Everyone asks me when we’ll be back in Canada. UFC 289, June 10, in Vancouver, at Rogers Arena. See you soon, Canada,” White said.
The last UFC event to be held in Canada was on September 14, 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, also at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Justin Gaethje had defeated Donald Cerrone in the first round in the main event.
The return to Canada is good news for the 15 Canadians who are among the UFC’s nearly 600 active fighters, as the organization seeks to attract fans by showcasing local talent.
Canadians Marc-Andre Barriault, Diana Belbita, Hakeem Dawodu, Jasmine Jasudavicius, John Makdessi, Kyle Nelson and Aiemann Zahabi have all been linked to the UFC 289 gala.
A duel between Stephen Thompson, ranked seventh at middleweight, and Michel Pereira, 15e, has also been advanced. It is still unclear who would bear the brunt of the main event.
The UFC has held 31 galas in Canada. The first took place in April 2008 in Montreal, during UFC 83. Eleven cities hosted the organization’s events and there were 19 championship fights.
Quebec, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto and Winnipeg also hosted a UFC gala.