Mixed martial arts is exploding around the globe; nowhere is that more evident than the United Kingdom, which has already churned out its share of prominent fighters and promoters.

With the Ultimate Fighting Championship setting up shop in the UK in 2007 the landscape has undergone quite an upheaval in recent months. Cage Rage, by most accounts England’s most popular MMA promotion, is going head to head with the UFC in April. And other organizations of note will have to find their place in the burgeoning MMA market.

In Sherdog.com’s latest News and Notes series, we take a look at the UFC’s plans and Cage Rage’s counter. Also established promotions such as Cagewarriors and FX3, which hold cards this spring, are touched on.

UFC looking for big turnout at M.E.N.

The big news on the UK scene that has got people talking is most certainly the return of the UFC to British shores on April 21. Rumor has it that Zuffa's first effort to bring the big show to English fans back in 2002 was by no means a commercial success. However, with a massive surge in the popularity of the sport since then, it seems entirely possible that the UFC may sell-out the massive M.E.N. arena in Manchester.

Heavily rumored to appear on the card is the UFC's newest and most expensive acquisition, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, as he takes on the next brave man to stand in the way of his well-publicized run at the heavyweight title, Gabriel Gonzaga (Pictures).

Also getting chins wagging is the return of TUF standout, Mike Bisping, who faces Elvis Sinosic (Pictures). Other big names making their UK debut include Tito Ortiz (Pictures), Forrest Griffin (Pictures) and Andrei Arlovski (Pictures).

Cage Rage remains undaunted

By choosing to hold its card on April 21, the UFC has ruffled a few feathers this side of the pond. It has long been announced that April 21 would be the date for the latest card from UK's most widely recognized promotion, Cage Rage.

After talking to Cage Rage co-promoter Andy Geer, it's clear that he is not too concerned by the UFC’s move — especially as he has negotiated an incredible coup by signing the massive Bob Sapp (Pictures).

Sapp recently did wonders for his profile in the UK, causing a massive stir as a stream of UK heavyweights climbed over each other to challenge him at Cage Rage 20. The PRIDE and K-1 veteran is scheduled to take on Sunderland hardman, Robert Berry (Pictures) in a fight that will almost certainly be decided before the final bell.

Other huge news for the promotion is the re-signing of Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos, the wild Brazilian who took part in one of the UK's most memorable wars: eventually losing but putting in an incredible performance against Dutch super-striker, Melvin Manhoef (Pictures).

Cyborg's return fight is a fascinating match-up against UFC veteran James Zikic (Pictures), who makes his way back to the cage following a self-imposed absence from the sport.

Cagewarriors looks ahead to April

A puzzling decision by a misguided local council recently forced the Cage Warriors promotion to scrap its planned March 4 card, but, undeterred by this disappointment, the team has refocused its efforts for an April 28 event, putting together a solid lineup that also includes 'B Class' bouts for less experienced fighters.

Exciting bouts on the card include Paul McVeigh putting his Cage Warriors bantamweight title on the line against Ireland's undefeated Steve McCombe, and the Wolflair's Alex Cook taking on the dangerous Frenchman Karl Amoussou.

Adding to the headline bouts, Cage Warriors characteristically has some of the top domestic fighters in action, amongst them local favorites Ian Butlin (Pictures) and Dan Hardy.

In other massive news for the Warrior promotions: it was recently announced that Ross Pointon, the mighty Brit that kept U.S. fans entertained during his TUF 3 appearance with an aggressive fighting style — and equally confused by his thick accent — had signed to fight. “Know what I mean?”

Reports suggest that he will be campaigning at welterweight, looking to climb the UK and European rankings to earn another spot on international shows over the coming months.

FX3 champ “Semtex” signs with EliteXC

Berkshire-based promotion FX3 holds another show on March 10 in Reading. After the news that their welterweight titleholder, Paul Daley (Pictures), has signed with American promoter EliteXC, a huge amount of attention will be focused on his title defense against King of the Cage veteran Daniel Weichel.

In contrast to this battle of the strikers, the promotion is putting on what's likely to be a fine display of the grappling arts when Alex Owen takes on Fred Fernandez in a rematch of their fight from 2004.

Asked which bout is his pick for fight of the night, promoter Paul James was quick to reply: Andre Winner and Wesley Felix. Roughhouse fighter, Andre is an unbelievable athlete with stacks of potential. But in Pancrase London's Wesley Felix he is taking on a seriously determined young fighter who would rather have his arm broken than tap — as he did in his last FX3 bout. Fireworks in the making.