The Ultimate Fighting Championship is returning to Japan after a two-year absence on Sept. 23, when it will host UFC Fight Night Japan at Saitama Super Arena.
UFC events were held in Japan every year between 2012 and 2015 under the organization's previous ownership. Now, as it prepares to return under new ownership, the world's biggest mixed martial arts promotion intends to accelerate its globalization even more while also being recognized more as a legitimate sport.
The UFC changed hands in the summer of 2016, when it was acquired by worldwide sports and entertainment representation firm William Morris Endeavor-International Management Group from previous owner Zuffa, LLC.