UFC Eyes Afghanistan Show

As it heads into its final preparations for UFC 112 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., the world’s No. 1 MMA promotion has its sights set on hosting an event in Afghanistan next to benefit U.S. troops housed there.

UFC President Dana White told GulfNews.com on Thursday that the promotion hopes to solidify an event in the war-torn region in two months’ time. The show will be offered for free to U.S. troops, said White.

"We don't like war, no one does; we just want them (troops) to come home safe, but these decisions are not in our hands," explained White. "The UFC has always supported our men and women in the military, not just in America, we've also supported troops in Canada and other countries.’

Numerous UFC fighters, including former champions Randy Couture and Rich Franklin, have visited U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last few years through trips set up and funded by the promotion. Zuffa, the UFC’s parent company, also makes regular donations of its products to the military and UFC events are usually broadcasted live on the Armed Forces Network.

White said the promotion is also discussing plans to hold another event on an aircraft carrier, though the Afghanistan event -- which will be held on land -- will take place first.

"I'm very nervous and excited about going there; we are working with the military to set everything up,” White told GulfNews.com. “We don't even know if we can film it, let alone air the event."