The UFC will be returning to Manchester, England, on October 26 with an event headlined by top 10 middleweights Michael Bisping and Mark Munoz. The co-main event will feature a lightweight bout between England’s own Ross Pearson as he takes on the always exciting Melvin Guillard. The event will take place at The Phones 4U Arena with tickets going on sale to the general public on August 19.
Tickets for UFC® MANCHESTER 2013: BISPING vs. MUNOZ will go on sale to the public on August 19th at 10am, and tickets are priced £450 (UFC VIP Experience), £225, £175, £125, £100 and £75. Tickets will be available via www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.phones4uarena.co.uk.UFC Fight Club™ members will have an extended exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to this event from August 12th–16th via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers from 10:00 BST on August 16th.
Bisping said: “First and foremost I’m thrilled to be back in England, it has been three long years since I last fought at home in front of the people who’ve supported me my entire career.
“I’m really up for this challenge against Munoz. I wanted the best possible opponent and I got him. I respect Mark as an opponent and, on a personal level, he’s one of the nicest men you will ever meet, but he’s getting beat. I’m sending the British fans home very happy.”
Munoz said: “I know Bisping has never lost in England – but he’s about to! I truly believe I will silence the crowd in Manchester. I’ve already fought in the UK, when I beat Chris Leben two years ago, so I’m familiar with the jet-lag, the time change, and everything else, so don’t feel I’m at any disadvantage.
“This is a pivotal fight for both of us,” added Munoz. “I see this fight as a contender fight. Anderson Silva is the No.1 contender but after he gets his rematch with Chris Weidman I think the winner of this fight with Bisping is next in line. I respect Bisping’s cardio and kickboxing, but I’m in great shape too and I think I’ll get him with a submission or ground and pound within three rounds.”
This will be the third time that the UFC has visited Manchester, and the first time since UFC 105 which took place in 2010. That event was also headlined by Manchester’s own Michael Bisping.
Garry Cook, executive vice president and managing director of UFC EMEA, said: “Our intention is to bring the best in MMA back to Manchester, with its passionate and very knowledgeable fans.
“Our British fans have called for more local shows, and we’ve listened to them. UFC Manchester 2013 will be a fantastic event to showcase the growing talent base and we are looking forward to bringing more events to the UK and Europe in 2014.”
Stay tuned to ProMMAnow.com for more news and coverage of the UFC Manchester card.