UFC Returns to Japan in February 2012, Set for Saitama Super Arena

For the first time in more than a decade, the UFC returns to Japan in 2012.

UFC officials today announced that the Saitama Super Arena will host the event, which takes place on February 26, and will serve as the first event in Japan since Zuffa took over ownership.

Dana White said the following during Tuesday's announcement:

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"This February, the wait is finally over – the UFC is coming back to Japan.

"For fans in Japan who've never witnessed a UFC event live, this is going to be an incredible experience and one you won't want to miss. It's been over 10 years since a UFC event was held in Japan and we're pumped to bring the fastest-growing sport in the world there once again."

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PRIDE FC hosted events from 1997-2007 in Japan and was widely considered to be the UFC's biggest competitor during that time.

Zuffa would later purchase PRIDE FC in a blockbuster move and the organization's former superstars Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Antonio Minotauro Nogueira, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua now compete in the UFC.

No matchups have yet been made for Saitama Super Arena, but it's likely that Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama and Yushin Okami will both see their names called for the event.

Needless to say, the UFC has a roster full of fighters that Japan can openly embrace.

Saitama Super Arena is an multi-purpose indoor arena which has a capacity near 22,500 for similar events.

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