UFC in Oklahoma City???
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
UFC’s big-time events always find a home in familiar surroundings. But UFC president Dana White has not been afraid to take UFC around the nation (and even internationally).
Last year, Nebraska got its first taste of the Octagon. Now rumors are persisting that it might be Oklahoma City’s turn for an Ultimate Fight Night on September 16.
White has said publicly a couple of times of his intentions to bring the UFC to Oklahoma City, but it seems we’re now done with the “hoping to” point of the discussion.
Here’s the link that got the conversation started again, right here.
The article suggests that it would take place at the Cox Convention Center, which I’m torn about. Think the place would fill up in no time, but to understand how big the MMA game in Oklahoma is, an event at the Ford Center would have been a good gauge.
With all the renovations going on, not possible at this stage in the game.
Just thinking out loud here. If there is a UFC event in Oklahoma City, some local flavor would definitely help.
Norman’s Matt Grice has fought in the UFC several times and has a bout at UFC 100 in July. A two-month turnaround shouldn’t be too bad.
Then we go to the “former Oklahoma State wrestlers” group of Johny Hendricks, Jake Rosholt and Shane Roller. Hendricks will be involved in a ridiculously good UFC debut bout with Ultimate Fighter winner Amir Sadollah in August. So might have to rule him out.
Rosholt lost his UFC debut in March, but this would be a perfect bounce back opportunity for him as well as Roller.
We’ll see what develops. UFC IV was in Tulsa all those many years ago with Royce Gracie defeating Dan Severn in the finals of the eight-man tournament. My oh my, how things have changed in the UFC since then, no?
If it’s September and Oklahoma, then you know most eyes are diverted to OU/OSU football. The Sooners play Tulsa that week while Oklahoma State has Rice. September 16th is a Wednesday, nice mid-week diversion from the gridiron.
Back later in the week with a Bellator preview.
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