The UFC hits Dublin Ireland for UFC 93 in January

Irish fans will have something to scream about as the UFC rolls into Dublin, Ireland for the first time ever in the history of the organization on January 17, 2009.

The UFC will be kicking off the new year with a pair of light heavyweight showdowns including a 3-round main event between heavy hitters Rich Franklin and Dan Henderson.

The other light heavyweight showdown marks the long awaited return of former Pride champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua who will get the chance to avenge his 2006 loss to UFC Hall of Famer Mark “The Hammer” Coleman who snapped Rua’s arm during the fight.

The Irish fans got their first taste of live Ultimate Fighting back in June of 2007 when the UFC hit Belfast for UFC 72.

“We are delighted to be returning to the Emerald Isle again, especially with such blockbuster main and co-main events,” said Marshall Zelaznik, UFC UK Division President. “The O2-Dublin is a fantastic venue that will create a memorable UFC experience. After smashing box office records in Belfast in June 2007, we promised our Irish fans we would be coming to Dublin, and now on January 17 the world’s most exciting live sports experience travels across the Irish Sea – we know this will be a great night for our fans.”

Ticket information for UFC 93 is expected to be announced shortly.