The rematch between UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson is now official as they will meet in the main event of UFC 204 on October 8 in Manchester, England.
The fight booking was made official by the UFC on Monday morning and the promotion also announced six other fights as those matchups are Vitor Belfort vs. Gegard Mousasi, Ovince Saint Preux vs. Jimi Manuwa, Stefan Struve vs Ruslan Magomedov, Adriano Martins vs. Leonardo Santos, Brad Pickett vs. Iuri Alcantara and Damian Stasiak vs. Davey Grant.
According to today’s press release issued by the UFC, the event is scheduled to start at 11:00 p.m. BST (6 p.m. ET) and the main card due to start at approximately 3:00 a.m. BST (10 p.m. ET).
“After 10 years in the UFC, representing Great Britain, I can’t think of a more fitting opportunity than for Michael Bisping to defend his title on home soil, in his home town and in front of a home crowd,” UFC EMEA General Manager and Vice President James Elliott said in a press release. “UFC is firmly in the hearts and minds of sports fans in the UK and this is officially the hottest ticket in town. Those lucky fans who secure a seat in the Manchester Arena will witness an incredible event.”
UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson II will come from the Manchester Arena and tickets for the event will go on sale to the general public on September 9 via Eventim and Ticketmaster. UFC Fight Club members receive access to tickets on Wednesday, September 7 and UFC newsletter member on Thursday, September 8.
“As soon as Bisping knocked out Rockhold at UFC 199 I knew his next fight had to be here at his hometown arena,” said Manchester Arena General Manager James Allen. “We’ve been privileged enough to host three UFC events before and every year people always ask me when UFC is coming back to Manchester. I’m delighted to say 2016 is that year.”
The kickoff press conference for UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson II will take place on Friday in Las Vegas at the Marquee Ballroom at the MGM Grand Resort & Casino prior to the UFC 202 weigh-ins. The press conference is expected to be attended by UFC President Dana White, middleweight champion Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson. The press conference is expected to begin at 2 p.m. PT and will be free and open to the public.
The current UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson II fight card is below.
Michael Bisping (30-7) vs. Dan Henderson (32-14)
Vitor Belfort (25-12) vs. Gegard Mousasi (39-6)
Ovince Saint Preux (19-8) vs. Jimi Manuwa (15-2)
Stefan Struve (31-8) vs Ruslan Magomedov (14-1)
Adriano Martins (28-7) vs. Leonardo Santos (15-4)
Brad Pickett (26-11) vs. Iuri Alcantara (37-7, 1NC)
Davey Grant (10-2) vs. Damian Stasiak (10-2)