MMA fans can only hope that ‘UFC Europe’ is more successful than NFL Europe or any other failed American sporting endeavor held in Europe as the UFC 122 odds action returns to the old continent for the second time in less than a month.
After holding the UFC 120 Main Event in Jolly Olde’ England the UFC is returning to Europe to hold the UFC 122 Main Event, this time in Germany. Fresh on the heels of Oktoberfest the UFC 122 betting action should also be a big hit and a great chance to spread brand awareness in a non-traditional MMA market. The US has already been won over by the MMA as has Japan and other parts of Asia, and Brazil is perhaps the biggest hotbed of MMA in the world.
But Europe has never been major market for the MMA or the UFC and that’s why Dana White and his brain trust are making such an effort to make inroads here and have chosen to host the UFC 122 odds event at the Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen Germany on November 13th, 2010.
But UFC fans not attending the event in Germany can be forgiven for being a bit upset over the matter. You see, whenever the UFC Main Events are held in a foreign locale –with the exception of Canada- the quality of the fight card nosedives.
Nothing against any of the fighters on the UFC 122 betting card, but when Nate Marquardt –who is a terrific fighter- is the headliner for a UFC Main Event, obviously something isn’t quite right.
In fact, there will be title fight at the UFC 122 odds event and even the winner of the Main Event match up (Marquardt vs. Yushin Okami) isn’t even guaranteed at shot at the title. This is more like a Major League event with a minor league lineup.
Granted, there should still be some great fighting action and we’ll likely be introduced to some up and coming fighters but this lineup is certainly lacking in terms of name recognition and overall talent.
Fortunately, the UFC 123 event will be back in the US and loaded with big names and big talent.