Henderson: UFC coming to Phoenix in December

GLENDALE, Ariz. --€“ The UFC is bringing a fight to Phoenix.

At least that's a strong claim from former UFC Lightweight Champion, Benson Henderson. In an interview Wednesday at his gym, The MMA Lab, the fighter known as "Smooth" broke the news.

"I believe it has been confirmed . . . if not, you guys are hearing it here for the first time. But, December 13th UFC is coming to Phoenix, Arizona," Henderson said.

Henderson's comment comes amid strong speculation -- but no official confirmation -- that a fight event would be coming to the state. As UFC President Dana White was speaking to fans during weigh-ins for UFC 173 in May, he disclosed the organization was looking at US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix as a location for a fight card.

The UFC is constantly being pursued by different cities to host events. During the UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov post-fight press conference in Albuquerque, N.M., UFC senior director of public relations Dave Sholler explained the difficulty choosing locations.

"The UFC is one of the most sought after live events in the world . . . there is still a long list of cities we haven't been to that want us," Sholler said.

With so many MMA fighters, fans and prominent gyms in Arizona, it's no wonder Phoenix is under consideration.

While no matches have been announced, there are several highly ranked fighters who are from or train in Arizona, such as John Moraga, Ryan Bader and C.B. Dollaway.

That also includes Henderson, who is hopeful his name will be called for the event.

"€œObviously we have a ton of talent here in Phoenix, here in Arizona. So I know there's a bunch of guys trying to get on the card. We'll see if I'm on the card or not,"€ explained Henderson, with a light-hearted shrug. "€œWho knows? Maybe I might be, I don't know."