The UFC is finally returning to Canada.
After weeks of speculation, UFC President Dana White ended the suspense on Friday, revealing via a video announcement that UFC 289 on June 10, 2023 will take place at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Hey Canada! 😃 pic.twitter.com/7ah0IFQAa4
— danawhite (@danawhite) April 7, 2023
“Everybody’s been asking me, when you coming back to Canada? When you coming back to Canada? UFC 289, June 10, Vancouver, Rogers Arena,” said White. “We’ll see you soon, Canada.”
In the weeks leading up to Friday’s announcement, rumors had swirled of a date in Vancouver, Calgary, or even Montreal. One big stumbling block appeared to be the ongoing NHL season, with several franchises having arenas locked up, at least potentially, for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter as well as Cageside Press had previously reported Vancouver as the most likely destination.
The speculation is now over, and will shift to what will serve as the show’s main event. Several fights for the date have already been reported, including appearances by Canadian talents Jasmine Jasudavicius and Marc-Andre Barriault.
No main event has been announced or reported, though the likes of Amanda Nunes (women’s bantamweight) and Jamahal Hill (light heavyweight) could be in the running to headline the card.
The UFC last appeared on Canadian soil in Vancouver in 2019, for a Fight Night event at the very same venue. That card saw Justin Gaethje defeat Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in a lightweight match-up.
Prior the pandemic, the promotion made regular trips north of the border, touching down in Canada three times each year, usually with Toronto among the anticipated destinations. Calgary and Moncton, New Brunswick also had shows in 2018, while Ottawa, Edmonton, and Vancouver had stops the following year.
Tickets for the event go on sale on April 21.
Among the currently reported UFC 289 bouts are:
- Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira
- Miranda Maverick vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Eryk Anders vs. Marc-André Barriault
- Diana Belbiţă vs. Maria Oliveira
- Blake Bilder vs. Kyle Nelson
- Matt Schnell vs. David Dvořák
- Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr
