5 International Locations the UFC Must Go to in 2015

If you haven't noticed, the UFC is expanding its global market. For evidence, look at the many countries the organization travels to every year, as well as the number of new markets it breaks into.

That said, there are still certain markets the UFC need to target—markets that could be profitable and brimming with talent. They are places that can provide great income for the company and its fighters, proving why global expansion is huge in the entertainment business.

Seeing as the UFC usually goes to Brazil, Canada, Japan and the UK, we will leave them out, assuming they will get at least a show or two.

Instead, we look at locations that the UFC should visit for the first time or a place they don't go to often. 

Ireland

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Ireland was visited in 2014. On the back of Dublin native Conor McGregor and some supporting characters, it was a huge show.

The UFC should return in 2015.

McGregor is undoubtedly a star and the UFC should ride his hot hand next month. This is especially true if Jose Aldo retains his title, as an Aldo-McGregor fight in Ireland would be a huge draw and could be great for pay-per-view.

While that may be jumping the gun, McGregor needs to be utilized for his star power.

Add in a title stipulation, and it would become must-see action.

Ireland could be a new destination that the UFC returns to fairly regularly. 

Poland

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Among the recent hot spots in MMA are Ireland, Sweden, the UK, Canada and Russia (and surrounding areas).

Just as hot is Poland, a nation that continues to fly under the radar.

Poland has recently provided the UFC with some great fighters and will continue to churn out some tough competitors. This would be especially true if they put on an event in Poland and signed up some regional talent.

Polish MMA fans are ready for an event, too. They are fanatics and have been very supportive of Poland's biggest MMA promotion, KSW, for years.

I would not be surprised to see the UFC arrive there in 2015.

Mexico

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Yes, the UFC is heading to Mexico next month for UFC 180.

While we should probably also wait to see the gate numbers and ticket sales before making this assertion, the UFC should turn around for another show south of the border in 2015—assuming the show does well and the market proves profitable.

Mexico has a rich history in boxing and is still young with MMA. However, the fanbase is there, and they could be a big commodity for the UFC to tap into.

The UFC has also shown commitment to developing Mexican and Latino fighters through The Ultimate Fighter Latin America. That means that we could see more events in this area sooner rather than later. 

Even Mexican-American fighters can be national heroes. Just see what impact Cain Velasquez is already having. 

Russia

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There are challenges for the UFC getting into Russia, but it would be massive for the company. It's a country filled with talent, fans and the potential for a big draw.

There are numerous Russians in the UFC, as well as fighters from republics including Dagestan and Chechnya. While issues in the areas may make things somewhat complicated, sport brings us all together, and perhaps this could be an instance in which issues are put aside for a night.

There are a number of big names that could fit on the bill and make this a hit. Add on a pay-per-view tag with a great main event and this could be a giant event. 

Mainland China

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The UFC has been to Macau a couple of times recently, but not mainland China. This may not seem like a big deal, but mainland China has the potential for more impact than the Fight Pass shows the UFC occasionally puts on in the smaller region.

It's an uphill battle, knowing the political and social landscape in China, but an event—especially a pay-per-view event—on the mainland would be massive. They could fill a big stadium, especially if given some of the bigger stars in the UFC.

There are over 1.3 billion people in China and breaking into that market would be massive for the UFC. It's a market that could yield much profit and exposure for the company.