The octagon’s durability will be put to the test when the UFC returns to Japan on September 20. A heavyweight scrap between Roy Nelson (pictured) and Mark Hunt is expected to headline the show.
UFC president Dana White confirmed the contest Friday via Twitter.
Nelson snapped his two-fight losing skid with a highlight reel knockout victory over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in April. “Big Country” has won four of his past six bouts.
Despite owning just a 9-8-1 professional record, Hunt remains one of the UFC’s more popular athletes. Hunt and Antonio “Big Foot” Silva put on one of the most thrilling performances in MMA history in December, which resulted in a majority draw. However, the instant classic is tainted because Silva flunked his post-fight drug test for elevated levels of testosterone.
Saitama Super Arena in Saitama is expected to host the festivities.
No word if UFC Fight Pass, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2 or some combination of the three will make the event available for live viewing in America.
No other scraps have been confirmed for the lineup at this time.