UFC heading to Philly

As the UFC expands their business worldwide, the sport's No. 1 promotion hasn't forgotten about new U.S. markets as well, and on Thursday, UFC President Dana White confirmed that they will head to Philadelphia before 2009 is over.

The state of Pennsylvania just officially ratified the rules and regulations of mixed martial arts on Feb 27 and it looks like the state will welcome the UFC this year as a way to celebrate the sport in the Keystone state.

"It's a big fight town, always has been," White said about Philadelphia on Thursday. "When you talk about Las Vegas, you talk about New York, Philadelphia is one of them too. The Blue Horizon, I saw some of the best boxing ever from the Blue Horizon in Philly. It's a big fight town."

The city has been host to many major sporting events over the years, including last year's World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, and the UFC will be a great addition to the "City of Brotherly Love."

In addition to Philadelphia, the UFC could also eventually expand to Pittsburgh, which is in the process of building a new stadium for the Penguins hockey team that is slated to open in 2010-11.

"I'm not saying no to Pittsburgh, but we're going to Philly this year," said White.

The UFC is also hopeful that they will hold an event in New York City by the end of this year, and White said he believes other markets like Buffalo could be home to events such as the popular "Fight Night" series on Spike.