UFC 120

Zelaznik responds to criticisms of UFC 120 card

ESPN staff

July 22, 2010 « Paul Kelly reveals the one man he would hate to fight | ESPN FA Cup Promo »

Michael Bisping will headline UFC 120 in London © UFC

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British MMA fans have been asked to trust the UFC after Michael Bisping v Yoshihiro Akiyama was announced as the main event for UFC 120 in London.

Tuesday's confirmation of the October 16 event means England's two-year wait to host another title fight will continue. The last time UFC gold was contested on British shores was back at UFC 80 when BJ Penn defeated Joe Stevenson.

The UFC appeased disgruntlement aimed at England-heavy fight cards by featuring Randy Couture in the main event for UFC 105 in Manchester, but it would appear no overseas marquee names will travel to London as Bisping v Akiyama gets top billing.

UFC UK president Marshall Zelaznik was happy to field the criticism, but he likened UFC 120 to UFC 95 headlined by Diego Sanchez and Joe Stevenson, which proved to be one of the most memorable events of 2009.

"I understand people being disappointed at the lack of fighters that they may perceive to be their favourite fighters," Zelaznik said to ESPN.co.uk. "I'm the same. I'd love to see Jon Jones in the UK because I think the people would love him.

"But the thing is that the biggest critics are the most likely ones to be buying their tickets for the event. They are the hardcore fans, which is why their opinions mean a lot to us, but we believe we're putting out the right card. Look back to UFC 95 and the criticisms we got prior to that card, but it turned out to be one of the best UFC events put on that year.

"There will be a lot of British fighters to get behind for the local fans, and I believe there will be one or two European fighters as well."

Zelaznik also revealed plans to make sure the UFC comes to England at least four times during 2011.