5 European countries the UFC needs to visit in the post-COVID 19 era

#2. UFC Ireland

The UFC has not returned to the Emerald Isles since it was headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Diego Brandão. The event was an immense spectacle that truly catapulted McGregor and SBG Ireland into a global spectacle.

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It was rumored that the promotion would return to Ireland in 2020, but those plans were unfortantely scuppered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now with the success of the London event, the next logical step would be to return to England's neighbors across the pond.

Several Irish stars are currently competing in the UFCincludingas Ian Garry and Dean Barry, as well as Conor McGregor of course. However, there are also numerous American fighters with Irish heritage that could also be used to fill the card out.

Regional promotion Cage Warriors, which produced the likes of Conor McGregor and Michael Bisping, is another source of Irish talent that could be called upon, with the likes of Paul Hughes, Ryan Shelly, and, Decky McAleenan all on the roster.

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#1. UFC France

Despite the majority of Europe hosting multiple MMA events, from numerous promotions every year, France has only just legalized the sport. Bellator has already hosted an event on French soil, and it is now time for the top MMA promotion in the world to make their move.

There are a number of French stars in the promotion, but former heavyweight interim champion Ciryl Gane would be the most logical fighter to headline the card. The gym Gane trains at, MMA Factory, has several UFC fighters in its stable, including top-ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imavov and heavyweight veteran Alan Badout.

Current heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou also once called France his home. A heavyweight title rematch between him and Gane would certainly be an outstanding way of introducing the French public to the sport.

Firas Ziam and Manon Fiorot would both also be excellent additions to the card, whilst Cage Warriors' Morgan Charriere could make his much anticipated step up to the big leagues in front of a home crowd.