UFC Ppv Event To Christen Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena
UFC 304 has been announced as the first ever sporting event to be held in Manchester’s Co-Op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena.
The pay-per-view event will take place on 27th July and, despite fan suspicions that the main event will feature British welterweight champion Leon Edwards defending his belt against Belal Muhammad, no matchups on the main card have yet been confirmed.
The 20,500 (seated) 20,500 (standing) capacity arena was due to official open yesterday (23rd April) with a series of shows performed by comedian Peter Kay, however, the gigs were postponed with just 24 hours to go after the venue said work on its power supply was “a few days behind” schedule.
“I’m so excited to get back to Manchester. And no better time than this summer,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “We have two champions from the UK and fans have been dying for a UFC PPV event. So here we come to the largest indoor arena in the UK. See you soon, England!”
Co-op Live Executive Director & General Manager, Gary Roden, added, “With the north of England home to so many of the world’s leading fighters, we are primed and ready for UFC and its knowledgeable, passionate fanbase. Offering a state-of-the-art platform for globally broadcast events, Co-op Live is extremely proud to welcome entertainment of this scale and caliber as the future home of combat sports in the UK.”
Co-Op Live is a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, alongside private investor and singer Harry Styles, who has been instrumental in the design of the venue.
Co-op Live has been designed by FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2024 shortlisted architect firm Populous and built at a cost of £365m.
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