Lodz likely to host October 2014 UFC event, other European cities targeted

As the organization pieces together its UFC European Tour for 2014, the Polish city of Lodz has essentially been promised an event, and other locales are in the works.

The tour is expected to include a half-dozen European cities and will have a unique look and feel, compared to other UFC shows. Additionally, the start times won’t be geared toward North American audiences (in other words, expect late-morning/early-afternoon broadcast times in the U.S. and Canada), and local fighters will be signed to help fill out the regional cards.

As MMAjunkie.com previously reported, the tour kicks off March 8 at London’s O2 Arena. Light heavyweights Alexander Gustafsson (15-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and lightweights Melvin Guillard (31-12-2 MMA, 12-8 UFC) vs. Ross Pearson (15-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC) are already booked for the show.

According to Garry Cook, the UFC’s executive vice president and managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa, additional European cities are already being lined up.

Ireland will get an event, though a city wasn’t disclosed. Istanbul and Berlin will get shows. So, too, will Malmo, Sweden.

Other than London, the show seemingly closest to being finalized is in the Polish city of Lodz. Cook told MMAjunkie.com the organization has reserved a venue every Saturday in October 2014 with the intent of choosing one for a UFC European Tour stop.

“And I’ve got another five or six countries and cities that want the UFC,” Cook said.

Cook, who said he often lobbies his fellow UFC executives to bring shows to Europe, said it’s important for fight fans across the globe to get an opportunity to enjoy the live-event experience. He believes the UFC European Tour will help accomplish that goal.

“When we’ve got the fan base that we’ve got … we’re never short on people who want to see great fights,” he said. “The demand is there.”

For more on European Tour show in London and other tour stops, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Garry Cook)