The UFC has requested Memorial Day and Independence Day-weekend dates for events in Las Vegas.
Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer today confirmed via email with
MMAjunkie.com; (
UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) that UFC officials have served May 26 and July 7 for major events.
Both shows are planned for the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The numbering hasn't been set for the events, though the May 26 show likely will be UFC 146.
Although not official confirmation that the events will take place, the UFC traditionally holds annual shows on the holiday weekends, when Las Vegas draws tens of thousands of tourists during its peak season.
MMAjunkie.com (
UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) previously
passed along news of the July 7 event. In addition to the fight event, a UFC Fan Expo will be held at the nearby Mandalay Bay Events Center from July 6-7. (Mandalay Bay also plays host to the next MMAjunkie.com Radio fan gathering that week.)
The UFC has hosted events on the Fourth of July weekend the past six years (though one in 2009, which marked the historic UFC 100 event, took place on July 11 instead of the actual July 4 holiday). All but one took place in Las Vegas.
Additionally, The MGM Grand has hosted Memorial Day-weekend events the past five years.
No fights are rumored for this year's cards, though recovering heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos is expected to compete at one of the two.
