Michael Bisping set to face Mark Munoz on 26th October in Manchester

Source: UFC Press Release 

The Phones 4U Arena in Manchester will light up on 26^th October when Britain’s Michael “The Count” Bisping faces one of his toughest challenges to date against Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz.

Manchester-born Bisping has not fought on British soil since October, 2010 when he defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 120 inLondon. The Ultimate Fighter winner and UFC veteran, currently ranked No. 4,  knows victory against No. 6 ranked Munoz, will put him within striking distance of the title.

Tickets for UFC MANCHESTER 2013: BISPING vs. MUNOZ will go on sale to the public on 19^th August at 10am, and tickets are priced £450 (UFC VIP Experience), £225, £175, £125, £100 and £75. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster and Phones4U Arena. UFC Fight Club^™ members will have an extended exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to this event from 12th–16th August via the website UFC Fight Club. A special internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers from 10:00 BST on 16^th August. To register for the UFC newsletter or to join UFC Fight Club^™ go to UFC.com.

Bisping said: “First and foremost I’m thrilled to be back in England, it has been three long years since I last fought at home in front of the people who’ve supported me my entire career.

“I’m really up for this challenge against Munoz. I wanted the best possible opponent and I got him. I respect Mark as an opponent and, on a personal level, he’s one of the nicest men you will ever meet, but he’s getting beat. I’m sending the British fans home very happy.”

Munoz said: “I know Bisping has never lost in England – but he’s about to! I truly believe I will silence the crowd in Manchester. I’ve already fought in the UK, when I beat Chris Leben two years ago, so I’m familiar with the jet-lag, the time change, and everything else, so don’t feel I’m at any disadvantage.

“This is a pivotal fight for both of us,” added Munoz. “I see this fight as a contender fight. Anderson Silva is the No.1 contender but after he gets his rematch with Chris Weidman I think the winner of this fight with Bisping is next in line. I respect Bisping’s cardio and kickboxing, but I’m in great shape too and I think I’ll get him with a submission or ground and pound within three rounds.”

This will be the UK’s second event in 2013, following February’s sold-out show at London’s Wembley Arena, and the third time the UFC returns to Manchester, following UFC 70 in April 2007 and UFC 105 in November 2010. Both previous events sold out the world-renowned venue – and featured a victorious Bisping.

Garry Cook, executive vice president and managing director of UFC EMEA, said: “Our intention is to bring the best in MMA back to Manchester, with its passionate and very knowledgeable fans.

“Our British fans have called for more local shows, and we’ve listened to them. UFC Manchester 2013 will be a fantastic event to showcase the growing talent base and we are looking forward to bringing more events to the UK and Europe in 2014.”