Report: UFC working toward 1st Russian event in 2018

The UFC hopes to break ground with its first event on Russian soil in 2018, officials told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.

A report surfaced Friday from RT Sport that the promotion booked a show at Moscow's 35,000-seat Olympiyskiy Stadium for Sept. 14 and 15, but UFC officials say nothing is done yet.

"UFC continues to make progress in the Russian market and is actively working on a partnership that could result in the global brand potentially hosting its first-ever event in Russia in 2018," UFC officials stated via Okamoto.

"As standard operating procedure, UFC strategically holds dates with venues around the world in order to continually develop its brand internationally by bringing fight fans world-class events."

Russian lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov would be expected to be the main draw of the event. Nurmagomedov's father and coach Abdulmanap hopes the September card will feature his son against Conor McGregor, who has publicly discussed the possibility of fighting in Russia in the past.

"Most likely, this event is going to be connected with us," the senior Nurmagomedov told RT Sport. "We will fight in April first with Tony Ferguson, and then we will receive a date for a fight with McGregor."