The UFC has grown into a global phenomenon, bringing elite-level mixed martial arts (MMA) to countries across the world. The UK has been a key market for the sport, with major events taking place in London, Manchester, Liverpool, and most recently, Paris for the broader European fanbase. However, one glaring omission in recent years has been Scotland, a country with a deep-rooted combat sports culture and a passionate fanbase.
A Historic and Electric Atmosphere
The last time the UFC graced Scottish soil was in 2017 when UFC Fight Night 113 took place in Glasgow. The event, headlined by Gunnar Nelson vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio, showcased the intense passion of Scottish fight fans. The SSE Hydro (now OVO Hydro) was packed, and the energy in the arena was widely praised by fighters, commentators, and UFC executives alike.
Before that, the UFC’s first visit in 2015 saw one of the most electric crowds in MMA history. Scottish fighters, including Stevie Ray, Joanne Calderwood, and Robert Whiteford, put on thrilling performances, amplified by the deafening cheers of the home crowd. Dana White himself acknowledged the incredible atmosphere, making it clear that Scotland had delivered one of the best crowds the UFC had ever experienced. To further underscore the sheer energy of the event, renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani awarded the Glasgow crowd the prestigious ‘Crowd of the Year’ award for 2015, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable nights in UFC history.
A Growing Scottish MMA Scene
Scottish MMA has continued to develop in recent years, with fighters emerging on the biggest stages. Paul Craig has become a fan favourite with his relentless fighting style and submission victories, while Chris Duncan recently joined the UFC roster, proving that Scotland still produces world-class talent.
Beyond the UFC, regional promotions such as Cage Warriors and PFL Europe have consistently hosted Scottish talent, showing that the grassroots MMA scene is thriving. Notable Cage Warriors fighters such as Sean Clancy Jr., Reece McEwan, Chris Bungard, Aidan Stephen, and Keir Harvie have been making waves, demonstrating that Scotland remains a hotbed for up-and-coming talent. Bringing the UFC back to Scotland would further inspire the next generation of fighters and help cement the nation’s place on the global MMA map.
The Demand is There
Whenever the UFC visits the UK, Scottish fans travel in droves to see the action. The recent UFC London cards saw plenty of Scottish representation in the crowd, and the demand for a home event remains high. If the UFC were to return, it would almost certainly sell out quickly, especially given the growth of MMA’s popularity in the region since the last event.
Additionally, Scotland’s ability to host major sporting events is well-proven. The success of the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and regular football fixtures at Hampden Park demonstrates that the country can accommodate large-scale events with ease. The OVO Hydro remains a prime location for a UFC Fight Night, with a capacity of around 14,000 – perfect for an electric fight card.
Timing and Opportunity
With the UFC making greater efforts to host events across Europe, Scotland is a natural choice for a return. The recent growth of UK MMA, fueled by fighters like Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall, and Paddy Pimblett, has proven the market’s viability.
If the UFC were to return to Scotland, it could feature a headline bout with a British or European star, potentially even giving a Scottish fighter a main event slot. This would not only create a memorable moment for fans but also further solidify the UFC’s presence in Scotland for years to come.
Conclusion
The UFC’s return to Scotland is long overdue. The country boasts a rich fighting culture, a passionate fanbase, and a growing roster of talented athletes. With the success of previous events, the demand from fans, and Scotland’s ability to host world-class sporting spectacles, there is no reason why the UFC should not bring a major event back to Scottish soil. If and when the octagon returns, one thing is for certain – the Scottish crowd will deliver an unforgettable night of MMA.
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