The UFC and Dana White have made no secret of their desire to expand into the Russian market. Currently Russia is one of the smallest International Media Rights markets for the UFC, and a large portion of that is a result of not having held a live event in the country.
Things are changing, and the change is coming quick however. With the momentum having a Russian Lightweight champion such as Khabib Nurmagomedov has caused, the UFC is now officially ready to branch into the country and is planning a debut show in September.
While Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be appearing on the first event in the country, it does appear that Zabit Magomedsharipov is being targeted for the card, and at least the initial opponent appears to be yair Rodriquez. While this bout is far from official, we will update you as it progresses.
.@Zabit_MMA says he’s been offered a fight with Yair Rodriguez (@panterauf) at #UFCRussia in September, and is now waiting for his opponent to accept the bout. Interview coming soon… pic.twitter.com/xfTPvW0XuZ
— Denis Geyko (@DenisGeykoRT) April 25, 2018
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