Graeme McDonnell 
Ireland, and most likely Dublin, is in line to host its first UFC event since UFC 93 back in January 2009 when Dan Henderson beat former middleweight king Rich Franklin via split decision.
At the post fight press conference of UFC Fight Night 26 in Boston at the weekend, UFC President Dana White confirmed the third quarter of 2014 as the date when the UFC will return to the Emerald Isle.
The UFC have ambitious plans to take the organisation global and an aggressive expansion into Europe is planned for 2014 with cards to be held in England, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Turkey and of course, Ireland.
Conor McGregor made his US debut at the weekend and put in a solid performance against Max Holloway. Hampered by a knee injury midway through the second round, the Irishman changed his attack and took the fight to the ground. Despite a comprehensive unanimous decision victory, McGregor was visibly downbeat afterwards as he wanted to finish inside the distance.
Dana White’s love for all things McGregor have all but guaranteed the Dubliner a spot on the Irish card but he won’t be the headline event. White added: “He’s not ready to headline a card. He’s 2-0, he’s headlining! It would be great in Ireland, it wouldn’t be great everywhere else”.
The UFC have been waiting for a European MMA star to follow in the footsteps of Michael Bisping and take America by storm. The US media have certainly taken a shine to McGregor’s straight talking attitude and his fan-friendly style has the fans clambering for more.
By Simon Maguire
Savage stuff hopefully he’ll be back uninjured