The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s rumored trip to Sweden in 2012 will become reality on April 14, UFC President Dana White told Swedish media outlet Aftonbladet on Friday.
Long considered to be an untapped hotbed for mixed martial arts, Scandinavia has oft been mentioned as one of the primary targets for the UFC’s ongoing global expansion. No bouts have been officially announced for the promotion’s Swedish debut, though White noted the possibility of including Alexander Gustafsson (Pictured) in the proceedings, pending his upcoming fight with Vladimir Matyushenko at UFC 141.
Gustafsson, 24, has only been bested once as a pro and is considered by many to be Sweden’s brightest MMA prospect. Since being submitted by light heavyweight contender Phil Davis in April 2010, “The Mauler” has won three consecutive fights, rattling off victories over Cyrille Diabate, James Te Huna and Matt Hamill.
Ryan O’Leary contributed to this report.