UFC makes official October 'Fight Night' card on FOX Sports 2 in Manchester

After some initial concerns about being able to finalize a fall event in Manchester, England, U.K. fans can rest easy.

UFC officials finally have gone public with a “Fight Night” event for the England city for October. The promotion on Tuesday announced a new booking for the card between Melvin Guillard and England native Ross Pearson.

Pending the announcement of a rumored “Fight Night” card for Brazil earlier in the month, the Manchester card could become UFC Fight Night 30. Regardless of the numbering sequence, the event will take place Oct. 26 at Manchester Arena. The main card will air on FOX Sports 2 – the sister station to FOX Sports 1, which launches Aug. 17. FOX Sports 2 will be the rebrand from FUEL TV.

In July, UFC officials released a statement on its official Facebook page telling fans that while efforts for a show in Manchester are underway, it’s not a done deal.

“We are aware that a large number of you are asking about a possible Manchester event for October 26 this year, however we are not yet able to confirm that we are heading back to one of Britain’s most famous cities due to the many factors involved in hosting such a huge event,” the UFC stated. “We are working hard to bring the UK a card of real significance and if we are able to make this happen it would be the event of the year in Europe. Your need to book transport, tickets and accommodation in advance is appreciated and as soon as we can confirm anything, we will let you know.”

But with the announcement of Guillard-Pearson for the event, as well as the UFC making official a middleweight fight between Michael Bisping (24-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) and Mark Munoz (13-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC), whatever hurdles were being dealt with appear to have been cleared.

Additional fights for the card are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be the UFC’s second in England this year after visiting London in February. In September 2012, the UFC stopped in Nottingham for the first time.

The UFC has visited Manchester twice before for UFC 70 in 2007 and UFC 105 in 2009

For more on UFC Fight Night in Manchester, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Mark Munoz)