A source with knowledge of ongoing negotiations has indicated that UFC is in discussions to hold events in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia in 2027. The potential expansion would mark the promotion's entry into several new Central Asian and Caucasian markets.
According to a source familiar with ongoing negotiations, the UFC is reportedly in talks to stage events in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia as part of a potential expansion push in 2027.
The discussions, which have not been officially confirmed by the promotion, would represent the UFC's first forays into several of these markets. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia have each produced a growing number of combat sports athletes in recent years, making the region an increasingly attractive destination for major MMA promotions seeking to broaden their global footprint.
Why it matters
- A successful expansion into Central Asia and the Caucasus would open the UFC to large, largely untapped audiences with strong cultural ties to combat sports and wrestling
- Hosting events locally often accelerates the development of regional talent pipelines and local broadcast and sponsorship deals
- With multiple countries potentially involved, the 2027 slate could see the UFC run some of its most geographically diverse international calendar to date
- The unconfirmed nature of the talks means scheduling, venues, and specific event formats remain unknown at this stage
Because the report comes from a single unnamed source, the timeline and scope of the expansion remain fluid. No official announcement from the UFC has been made, and the negotiations could change or fall through before any deals are finalized.
