UFC anticipates quick return to Abu Dhabi, targeting 'The Ultimate Fighter' for Middle East

ABU DHABI – The UFC took four years to return to Abu Dhabi following its initial visit to the United Arab Emirates’ second most populous city, but the locale may soon become an annual destination.

UFC Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa Garry Cook announced the company’s intentions following Friday’s “UFC Fight Night 39: Nogueira vs. Nelson” event at Abu Dhabi’s du Arena.

“We’re working hard to build the awareness and grow the sport in every area we’re in,” Cook said. “We’ve had some really good business meetings this week. I don’t want to confirm anything, but it’s highly likely that this time next year we’ll be having this same conversation again.

“It’s really important for us to keep coming back every year, and so I’ll hazard a guess that we’ll be back this same time next year.”

The Abu Dhabi-based Flash Entertainment is a minority shareholder in the UFC after purchasing 10 percent of the promotion in January 2010. The UFC then visited the city in April 2010 for “UFC 112: Invincible,” which featured Anderson Silva’s bizarre decision win over Demian Maia.

However, it would take until this weekend for the UFC to return to Abu Dhabi, this time for “UFC Fight Night 39: Nogueira vs. Nelson.”

While the promotion does not currently have any confirmed plans to return to the area, Cook said the company will continue to focus on growing MMA in the region and hopes to establish a Middle Eastern version of “The Ultimate Fighter,” as well.

“There are plans to have ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ here, and we’re working on that currently,” Cook said. “The rest of it is still to come.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 39, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

(Pictured: Garry Cook)