It was announced today that Chuck Lidell has shown deep interest in fighting for the UFC in Japan.

"I definitely think they should put on shows in Japan. Compared to the last time I fought in UFC Japan, I think that the UFC has really grown into something amazing."
[Translated from Japanese translation of Lidell's words]

Speculation is that the fight that was "supposed" to happen years ago in PRIDE - Lidell vs Silva - may see the rematch put on hold in anticipation of holding it in Japan.

Once Dana White finalizes the Japan plan, it was mentioned that Lidell may headline the UFC's return to Japan with a title match.

UFC has seen the opportunity recently to make moves into Japan, to continue with UFC Japan, holding the fourth UFC Japan show sometime next summer.

Previously:

UFC will be taking its show to Japan from the summer of next year.

It was announced they will be holding a show in the phillipines next spring, and from there, UFC Japan will make its return. The last UFC event in Japan was in December of 2000.

Dana White said that if the summer Japan show is a success, they plan to hold a regular series of events in Japan.