UFC announces first event in Paris on Sept. 3

The UFC will finally make its highly-anticipated debut in French territory on Sept. 3, setting up the octagon at the Accor Arena. Tickets will go on sale on June 23, the company announced Thursday.

The promotion has yet to officially announce any matchups for the card, but middleweights Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori have already voiced their interest in meeting in a five-round main event.

The UFC currently has a few French talents in its roster, including former interim champion Ciryl Gane. Heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou was born in Cameroon, but also represents the country since moving to Paris in his 20’s.

France finally legalized MMA in 2020 after initially banning it in 2016, but the COVID-19 pandemic likely forced the UFC to postpone its first trip to the country.

Bellator has held two cards in Paris so far. In its most recent show on May 6, heavyweight champion Ryan Bader defeated French veteran Cheick Kongo in the main event.