The UFC has announced the dates for its first trips to Croatia and Netherlands, visiting the Zagreb Arena on April 10 and the Ahoy Rotterdam on May 8. Both events will take place on a Sunday and air on FOX Sports 1 in the United States.
"It is truly a testimony to the growth of the UFC brand to be breaking into two new markets in Europe in the first half of 2016," said James Elliott, UFC EMEA general manager and vice president, in a statement. "The fans have been demanding local live events and we will not disappoint with two compelling shows."
The promotion has yet to announce who will compete at those cards, but local fighters are campaigning for a spot already.
"It would be a dream if I was able to fight in Croatia," Stipe Miocic said. "I travelled there for the first time in 2015 to train with Mirko Cro Cop and it was a great experience just to see the country and spend some time there with my family. I don’t know what the UFC has in store for me now but I’ll definitely be back in Croatia one way or another."
"I got goosebumps when I was told the UFC is finally coming our way, I’m thrilled it’s finally going to happen," said Dutch heavyweight Stefan Struve, excited to be back inside the Octagon on May 8. "No matter what I want to fight on this card, at this point in my career this is what I need to fight in front of my friends and family and deliver a show like I can."
Tickets will go on sale for the Zagreb event on Feb. 12, and March 24 for the Rotterdam show.