UFC schedules springtime trip to Europe

By Steve Sievert

The UFC is headed back across the pond.

For the first time since 2002, the UFC will host a show in the United Kingdom. The promotion has scheduled its return for April 21 for a show expected to be UFC 70.

The event will take place at Manchester's MEN Arena in what has the makings of the UFC's strongest card thus far in 2007. Mirko "Cro Cop," Andrei Arlovski and Michael Bisping are among the fighters confirmed for the event.



The UFC also is considering Tito Ortiz-Forrest Griffin 2 as a light heavyweight attraction for UK fans, but in speaking recently with a source close to Ortiz, I've learned that the bout has yet to be nailed down.

With contract negotiations still ongoing between the UFC and HBO, the show is currently scheduled as a pay-per-view play to air on a tape-delayed basis in the U.S. However, that could change if discussions with the Box Office get fast-tracked.

(Source)