UFC Returns to Abu Dhabi in 2011, Eying Brazil, India

The UFC will return to Abu Dhabi for another event in 2011, this according to UFC president Dana White on Friday at a UFC Fight Club Q&A session at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London.

White not only confirmed that the promotion would be heading back to the United Arab Emirates, but also that the UFC was eying both Brazil and India as potential event hosts. Brazil has hosted a UFC event only once before, but that was prior to Zuffa's acquisition of the brand. The country's relationship to the sport is seminal, as modern MMA evolved directly from Brazilian vale tudo.

According to White, UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta will be working to set up an event in India as well. The company's interest in the country is based on the UFC president's estimate of 300 million 18 to 34-year-old Indian males.

In addition to Brazil and India, the UFC is also trying to expand its influence in Europe. UFC 120 marks the ninth time the company has visited England, and White claims that the UFC is looking to increase the frequency of British events.

UFC UK president Marshall Zelaznik added that the promotion is enjoying successful ratings in Italy and would eventually like to do an event there. White said that it would be a dream for Fertitta to put on a show in Italy. Zelaznik also stated that Scandinavia was the company's third-largest European market and that the UFC will do a show in the area at some point.

This year, the UFC has held events in Sydney, Australia; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada. Of course, tomorrow's event takes place in London, and the UFC will return to Germany for a second time when the promotion holds UFC 122 in Oberhausen.