The
UFC could be going to Spain despite political
tensions.
The UFC has been considering a card in Spain ever since Ilia
Topuria gained stardom. However, the plan is yet to come to
fruition due to technicalities. Topuria previously told Spanish
media that the UFC was trying to find a roofed venue in Spain,
while also figuring out the card’s timing, as it would clash with
U.S. viewers during the ESPN era.
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However, the idea of UFC’s debut in Spain is seemingly not entirely
out of the question. Topuria recently revealed that he plans to
fight again at the end of the year after his upcoming fight against
Justin
Gaethje in June.
“My goal is to fight in June and fight again by the end of the
year,” Topuria said on „The Ariel Helwani Show.”
Tight Lipped
Helwani then suggested that Topuria could fight at Madison Square
Garden in New York, where the UFC usually hosts an annual card.
However, “El Matador” briefly mentioned that he might fight in
Spain, while refusing to discuss the subject further.
“Maybe Spain. Who knows?… I don’t want to talk about it,” he
said.
Topuria (17-0) is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against
interim champion Justin
Gaethje (27-5) at
UFC White House on June 14. The iconic card, which is a tribute
to America’s 250th year of independence, coincides with President
Donald Trump’s birthday. This adds further drama to the main event,
with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro
Sanchez openly criticizing Trump about the ongoing Iranian
crisis.