Las Vegas, Nevada –The Ultimate Fighting Championship®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, announced today that it will return to Atlanta with a championship card at Philips Arena on Saturday, April 21. UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his 205-pound crown in the night’s main event.
The event marks UFC’s first time back in the city since UFC 88 on Sept. 6, 2008, when nearly 15,000 fans packed Philips Arena to watch Rashad Evans knock out UFC legend Chuck Liddell.
“Fans in Atlanta have been tweeting me and telling me over and over again to bring the UFC back to their city,” UFC President Dana White said. “Well guess what Atlanta? The UFC is coming back to Atlanta with the sport’s fastest-rising star, Jon Jones, defending his light heavyweight title!”
“We are thrilled to welcome the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization back to Philips Arena for UFC 145,” stated Trey Feazell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Philips Arena. “The 2008 UFC 88 event featuring Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans was an incredible night and remains a highpoint in Philips Arena’s 13 year history.”
