While the Ultimate Fighting Championship has mapped out events for Nov. 17, Dec. 29, and Feb. 2 in the U.S., its UK arm is planning its first event of 2008 for as early as January 19 or 26.
UFC 80 is scheduled to touch down at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England, a northern city with a population of only 260,000, but well known throughout the country for its vibrant nightlife and personality. The 11,000-seat Metro arena is a choice venue, as it has hosted numerous World Wrestling Entertainment events and will likely attract an MMA-savvy audience.
On the roster, French welterweight Jess “Joker” Liaudin (12-8) is in talks to face Bangor, Maine’s Marcus Davis (13-3), fresh off a come-from-behind victory over Walsall, England’s Paul Taylor (8-2) at Sept. 8’s UFC 75 in London, England. Contracts for this bout are pending.
Liaudin, a member of the Pancrase London team, has been triumphant his two times in the octagon, defeating German entry Dennis Siver (11-4) via first round armbar at April 21’s UFC 70 in Manchester, and “The Ultimate Fighter 2” alumni Anthony Torres (5-2) by a TKO stoppage at Sept. 8’s UFC 75 in London.
Liverpool lightweight Terry Etim (10-1) is also expected to return to the UFC fold in Newcastle, after the 21-year-old suffered his first career loss to Gleison Tibau (26-3) by unanimous decision at UFC 75. Etim could face rumoured UFC debutante Per Eklund (9-2-1), regarded as one of Sweden’s more distinguished fighters. Eklund most recently earned a unanimous decision over American Top Team’s Rafael Dias (7-3-1) at Aug. 25’s Bodog Fight season six taping in Vancouver, B.C.
