For the first time in its 20-year history, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is bringing its famed Octagon to New Zealand. UFC FIGHT NIGHT AUCKLAND: TE HUNA vs. MARQUARDT will be live at Auckland’s Vector Arena on Saturday, June 28, and will feature a stacked line-up of world-class mixed martial artists.
Tom Wright, UFC Managing Director New Zealand, Australia and Canada said: “We are very excited about the UFC’s debut event in New Zealand. This country has a proud and successful combat sports history and certainly punches above its weight with representation in the UFC.
“We’re coming with a card featuring some of the greatest international and local fighters in mixed martial arts. Kiwis love their sport, and we have a great fan base already in New Zealand with mixed martial arts becoming increasingly popular,” said Wright.
Born in Darfield, New Zealand, James Te Huna (16-7) is a rising star of the UFC having won five of his past eight bouts in the light heavyweight division. The 32-year-old earned Fight of the Night honours in his win against veteran Joey Beltran at UFC on FUEL TV: MUNOZ vs. WEIDMAN in July 2012 showcasing his speed, agility and a dangerous arsenal of strikes.
Nate Marquardt (32-13-2) is a former Strikeforce welterweight champion and a veteran of mixed martial arts, having competed against a who’s-who of welterweight and middleweight contenders. The 34-year-old American fell short of earning the UFC middleweight championship in 2007, losing to former champion Anderson Silva during his dynasty of 14-straight title defences. Marquardt earned Knockout of the Night honours against Damian Maia at UFC 102 and Fight of the Night in a loss to Chael Sonnen at UFC 109.
Te Huna and Marquardt will compete at middleweight in a five-round main event.
In addition to Te Huna, New Zealand has three athletes currently competing in the UFC:
- Mark Hunt (9-8-1), No.8-ranked heavyweight
- Dylan Andrews (17-5), middleweight
- Robert Whittaker (11-4), welterweight and The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK – The Smashes champion
The Remaining fight card, ticketing and on-sale information for UFC FIGHT NIGHT AUCKLAND: TE HUNA vs. MARQUARDT will be announced in the coming weeks.