Japan will host a smaller UFC event series in 2013.
The series likely will include four shows in 2013, Mark Fischer, executive vice president and managing director of the UFC's Asian Operations division, told Nikkan Sports.
The shows are targeted for smaller 5,000-seat arenas and won't use the UFC's traditional event numbering.
Instead, they'll likely use specialized numbering similar to what's used with the UFC on FX and UFC on FUEL TV event series.
The shows will be geared around Japanese talent, specifically top prospects who work their way up the UFC ladder by first fighting in their home country. No broadcast plans have been finalized for the events.
Earlier this year, the UFC hosted its first show in Japan in more than 11 years. UFC 144, a February event that featured a headliner between then-lightweight champion Frankie Edggar and Benson Henderson, drew respectable attendance, TV-rating and pay-per-view numbers.
After the show, officials said they planned to return to Japan and build a presence in the country, which has seen most of its top fight promotions fold in recent years.
Source: Japan to host UFC event series in 2013
Looking forward to it!