Midwest fight fans got some exciting news Saturday night at the UFC 307 post-fight press conference. When asked by Cageside Press Reporter/Journalist Dylan Napoleone about the company’s future in new markets Dana White responded “You know that’s what I do right?… We’re going to hit some of these places that we haven’t hit in a while, pre covid… We’re looking at Seattle and Chicago… that will be coming in ’25.” The city of Chicago has not held an event with the promotion since UFC 238 in 2019.
The Covid pandemic had a significant role in the UFC’s absence from the largest city in the Midwest. Chicago was one of the last major cities in America to fully re-open from the covid lockdowns, with the UFC deciding to operate in states like Florida, who had far less restrictions during that time.
After last weekend, Chicago now has two UFC champions in Belal Muhammad and Juliana Pena. A massive two title fight PPV could very easily be coming in 2025. Pena recaptured women’s Bantamweight gold last weekend, dethroning Raquel Pennington in a competitive decision. Both Muhammad and Pena know who their next opponents will be as well. Muhammad is rumored to be facing undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmanov (18-0) in his first title defense. Pena is on a collision course with former PFL standout Kayla Harrison (18-1) who is a former two-time Olympic gold medalist (Judo).
Upcoming UFC Schedule
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira (Oct. 12)
UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira (Oct. 19)
UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway (Oct. 26)
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi (Nov. 2)
UFC 309: Jones vs Miocic (Nov. 16)
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