UFC returns to Utah for third straight year with championship fights on the card

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — The Octagon is returning to Salt Lake City for the third year in a row with some of UFC’s top mixed-martial arts competitors booked to fight.

UFC 307 will be held at the Delta Center in downtown Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 5.

At the top of the card, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will go for his third successful title defense against the No. 8 ranked contender, Khalil Rountree Jr. That fight is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

The UFC Bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington will also defend her title against No. 1 ranked contender Julianna Peña.

UFC President and CEO Dana White said the last two events in Utah have been an “incredible experience” and Utah fans can look forward to another exciting bout between two knock-out artists in Pereira versus Rountree.

“The fans at the Utah events have been amazing and this is one of the nicest arenas I’ve ever been to,” said White. “I want to thank the Utah Sports Commission and Smith Entertainment Group for their continued support.”

Jeff Robbins, President and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, said UFC 307 brings another great opportunity for Utah as it grows its reputation for being the “State of Sport.”

“UFC is at the crossroads of sport and entertainment and has been a key partner in helping Utah become a global sports destination,” said Robbins.

Additional bouts on the UFC 307 card include:

• Ketlen Vieira (14-3) versus Kayla Harrison (17-1)
• Stephen Thompson (17-7-1) versus Joaquin Buckley (19-6)
• Jose Aldo (32-8) versus Mario Bautista (14-2)
• Roman Dolidze (13-3) versus Kevin Holland (26-11)
• Movsar Evloev (18-0) versus Aljamain Sterling (24-4)
• Marina Rodriguez (17-4-2) versus Iasmin Lucindo (16-5)
• Cesar Almeida (5-1) versus Ihor Potieria (20-6)
• Carla Esparza (20-7) versus Tecia Pennington (13-7)

Tickets for UFC 307 go on sale on Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. The Utah Sports Commission said ticket sales are limited to just eight per person.

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