UFC announces plans for Puerto Rican expansion

UFC president Dana White announced Wednesday plans for expansion in Puerto Rico. Peter Rivera, a local boxing promoter, was appointed the company's representative in the region, and will be responsible for all details related to UFC pay-per-view sales, tryouts, seminars and special events with fighters.

White was joined at the announcement in Puerto Rico by UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, whose grandfather was born on the island. Pettis and his brother Sergio, a rising star at bantamweight, held seminars for a group of about 100 local fighters earlier in the day.

"The UFC is committed to growing the sport on the island of Puerto Rico. I’m excited to partner with somebody as accomplished and respected as Peter Rivera," White said. "Puerto Rico has been distinguished by its love of combat sports. With the Pettis brothers, Dennis Bermudez and other Puerto Rican fighters rising in the sport, we expect an unprecedented explosion of UFC fans throughout Puerto Rico.”

Puerto Rican boxing legend Felix "Tito" Trinidad was on hand, with Pettis posting a photo on Instagram with the caption: "Wish my pops could see this!!! Felix "Tito" Trinidad #legend #boriqua #doscampeones #orgullolatino."