UFC to hold debut event in Russia on Sept. 15

The UFC will make its maiden voyage to Russia later this year.

The promotion announced Wednesday that UFC Fight Night Moscow will be held at Olimpiyskiy Arena in Moscow on Sept. 15.

"The demand from our fans to bring a live event to Russia has been overwhelming, and with the vast potential this market holds for us, we knew this was the perfect time to bring UFC Fight Night to Moscow," said David Shaw, UFC's senior vice president of international and content.

Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov headlines a growing contingent of Russian fighters in the promotion, followed by heavyweight Alexander Volkov and rising featherweight star Zabit Magomedsharipov.

Nurmagomedov defeated Al Iaquinta to capture the lightweight belt in April and previously said he'd like to make his first title defense in November or December.