UFC Planning Four or Five Events in Canada in 2013; Possibly Launching TUF Canada

It’s no secret that Canada has quickly become one of the focal points of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s business strategy over the past few years.

The company has a base of operations in Canada, headed up by director Tom Wright.

It appears that the UFC intends to take things a step further in 2013, expanding the number of events North of the U.S. border and quite possibly launching a Canadian version of The Ultimate Fighter.

“We’re not that far away from announcing our full 2013 schedule,” Wright told Joe Ferraro recently on UFC Central Radio on Sportsnet 590 in Toronto. “I can tell you that there’s going to be at least four events in Canada.

Wright verified that two of the events will be in Montreal and Toronto, which is no surprise, as the two cities have previously been announced as being tent pole locations for the UFC for the next couple of years.

Although the UFC has also operated in both Vancouver and Calgary for past events, don’t be surprised if there are a couple unexpected cities on the docket for 2013.

“There’s going to be at least two cities that may surprise a few people when we come out with our schedule and right now we’re looking at an additional three,” revealed Wright. “So a total of five events in Canada for 2014.”

Canadian fans across the country have been clamoring for the UFC to come to their various hometowns for some time. It looks like there will be at least a few that get their wish.

Wright also indicated that one of the events could be a TUF Canada Finale, which wouldn’t be too surprisingly.

Every time he’s been asked recently about TUF’s international expansion, UFC president Dana White has mentioned India and Canada as the two regions that will next open up to the franchise.

As the U.S. seems to be leveling off, the UFC appears to be amping up its efforts globally, and it looks like Canada is going to be a major benefactor.

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