THE UFC will make their long-awaited return to London in March.
After a three-year hiatus, mixed martial arts' premier promotion will return to the O2 Arena on March 19 for their 12th show in the English capital.
UFC president Dana White told SunSport last month the show was in doubt due to the surge in Omicron cases and the possibility of further restrictions being put in place.
But the UK Government's relaxing of restrictions has paved the way for the MMA leader to return.
White said: “Every time we put on an event in London it’s an unbelievable experience.
"The fans are incredible, and the fights are always off the charts.
"It’s a different kind of energy in England. And I can’t wait to get back there with a fight card on March 19th.”
The UFC were last in London in March 2019, with their final show before the pandemic being headlined by a welterweight clash between Liverpool's Darren Till and fan favourite Jorge Masvidal.
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They were due to return to London in March 2020 but pulled the plug on the card six days before fight night because of the pandemic.
The pride of Birmingham Leon Edwards was scheduled to headline that card against former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
The pandemic didn't stop UK-based fighters from competing in 2020 and 2021, with the UFC going to extreme lengths to keep their beefy roster active.
The promotion kept their international fighters busy with four stints on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, which was promotionally dubbed Fight Island.
They have also staged numerous events at their Apex facility in Las Vegas, although it seems they're slowly but surely going back on the road.
A main event for March 19 has not yet been finalised, although a showdown between Till and Uriah Hall has been discussed.
A clash between Arnold Allen and New Zealand's Dan Hooker has also been mooted, with SunSport understanding preliminary talks have taken place.
Tickets for the event will go on sale on February 2.
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