5 Countries That Dana White and the UFC Needs to Expand to

Expanding into new countries, and even new cities has always been a challenge for the UFC.  Only recently has the UFC been able to enter Pennsylvania and Ontario, because of laws prohibiting MMA.  The UFC has especially struggled with expanding into overseas countries, such as Germany, where UFC 122 is scheduled to take place. 

The last UFC event held in Germany was met with widespread opposition, with German lawmakers calling the UFC “insane” and “brutal”, and as everyone knows, no one can spot an insane, brutal organization and put a stop to it before it gets out of control like the Germans. 

With so much opposition, it’s a wonder that the UFC can manage to expand anywhere, and it’s important that the UFC carefully selects the next countries to expand to.  Here are the top five countries that the UFC should consider expanding to next.

5. The Netherlands

The Netherlands has a strong tradition of producing great kickboxers and muay thai champions such as Ramon Dekkers, Melvin Manhoef, Remy Bonjasky, Ernesto Hoost, and Semmy Schilt.  The Netherlands is also home to a number of MMA fighters including Alistair Overeem, Gilbert Yvel, Stefan Struve, and Bas Rutten. 

With so much interest in combat sports over in the Netherlands, it would be a smart move for the UFC to expand there soon.

4. Thailand

Thailand is the home of many great Muay Thai fighters, and the homeland of the sport of Muay Thai.  Many MMA fighters already spend time training their striking over in Thailand.  Muay Thai is hugely popular over in Thailand, and fans of Muay Thai would probably be able to make the transition to watching MMA fairly easily. 

UFC PPV events have already caught on in Thailand, and it’s common to see UFC events playing at bars.  Although it may not overtake Muay Thai in terms of popularity over in Thailand, it would be wise for the UFC to look into expanding to Muay Thai soon.

3. Mexico

A UFC event in Mexico would have the potential to be huge.  Professional wrestling is big in Mexico, and many pro wrestling fans would likely convert to MMA if a major UFC event were held in Mexico.  Since the UFC really seems to be working the Mexican angle on Cain Velasquez, it would be a very good idea for them to hold Cain’s first title defense in Mexico, if he manages to defeat Brock. 

A card featuring Cain, with a good undercard would be very big in Mexico.

2. Japan

Japanese MMA has never been quite the same after the collapse of PRIDE.  Sure they still have DREAM, but what Japan really needs is a major UFC card.  The UFC has been to Japan once before, but that was a while ago, and before Zuffa purchased the UFC. 

Japan  already has plenty of MMA fans, and if the UFC managed to put together a good card, with some Japanese fighters on it, it would have the potential to be very popular. 

1. Brazil

Brazil is home to some of the best fighters ever to compete in the sport of MMA. Other than America, no country comes close to being able to compete with the Brazilians.  With fighters like Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida, Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Thiago Alves, Thiago Silva, and the Nogueiras, Brazil has produced many UFC champions, and top contenders.

Brazil is also home to the legendary Gracie family, and is the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  It defiantly makes sense to hold an event in Brazil.  Machida and Anderson are both popular in their home country, and an event in Brazil would attract plenty of attention and fans.