Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/836019
VEGASMAGAZINE.COM 89 SOURCE: The WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND PL A Y IN L AS VEGAS SCENE Amanda Nunes of Brazil and Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan face off during the UFC 196 weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena in March of last year. They meet again for the women's bantamweight championship on July 8 at T-Mobile Arena. FAN FAVORITE UFC'S INTERNATIONAL RETURNS TO VEGAS IN JULY. Mixed martial arts super fans, Octagon Girls, celebs, and athletes will converge for the UFC's annual International Fight Week, held July 5–9 this year. Ultimate Fighting Championship, which was acquired by WME/IMG last year, promotes all combat sports over that blowout week. It's the sixth annual fight week in Vegas, and this year's event includes three consecut ive events inside T-Mobile Arena: The Ultimate Fighter reality TV series crowns its winner during a live finale; a UFC Fight Night card on Fox Sports; and the UFC 213 pay- per-view event. But one of the big draws for fans is the annual UFC Fan Expo, where MMA fighters sign autographs and take part in open Q&A sessions; there's a huge EA Sports station, and lots of combat sports events to take in. This year, the fan experience happens in The Park, the dining and entertainment district adjacent to T-Mobile Arena. Prepare for lots of (literally) pumped up crowds. ufc.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH HEDGES/ZUFFA LLC/ZUFFA LLC VIA GETTY IMAGES