On October 18, 2025, the UFC will go north of the border for the second time this year with UFC Vancouver: De Ridder vs. Hernandez. This time, however, it’ll be a trip to the Pacific coast of Canada to battle at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. As has become tradition, the card features several Canadian fighters who are expected to draw strong local interest. So, in preparation for this UFC Fight Night, here are some fun things to know about the night and the arena.
Home of the Canucks and an NHL-MMA Crossover
Once the home of the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies as well, the only major league team Rogers Arena now houses is the Vancouver Canucks. By the time UFC Fight Night rolls around, the new NHL season will be well underway, and the Canucks will be five games in and moving to the third leg of a five-game road trip, freeing up home ice.
As a result, there should be a renewed buzz around Rogers Arena and the many local fans of the Canucks. Last season was disappointing, but coming into the new season, more and more NHL bets are backing them in the futures markets, from making it to the playoffs to winning the division. A hot start will only spur the fandom.
Helping fight fans who aren’t as engaged with the hockey, there is a fun little connection between the two. Back in 2011, former Canucks enforcer and their all-time single-season record holder for penalty minutes, Donald Brashear, stepped into the octagon. He fought in Ringside MMA, making his debut with a victory.
Several Canadians for the Locals to Root for
The Fight Night card that the UFC has put together is loaded with fighters from Canada. The headliner, Reinier de Ridder vs Anthony Hernandez, is a quality bout, even if not one for the home crowd. Under them, though, are Canadians Mike Malott, Jasmine Jasudavicius, Charles Jourdain, Aiemann Zahabi, and Kyle Prepolec.
It’s a strong card for the UFC’s return to the city since 2023, with Ontario native Malott being of particular interest. It’s his fifth consecutive bout in Canada, and he’s now hitting some good form. He’ll certainly need some momentum to overcome Holland.
A Vast Accessible Venue with Lots to Explore Nearby
Rogers Arena is a highly accessible venue and one of the larger indoor arenas, with a capacity of around 19,000 and good views across the seating areas. It is known for delivering a lively atmosphere during Canucks games, and a similarly energetic environment can be expected when UFC Fight Night takes place in October.
As is explained in this piece from the Vancouver Sun, you can easily get to Rogers Arena via the Stadium-Chinatown Station or Vancouver City Centre. Either way, you’ll be just over the road or five blocks away. Nearby, there’s the historic Chinatown, plenty of bars, the team store, and the shopping and restaurants boulevard, Robson Street.
Vancouver’s Rogers Arena is a grand destination for fight fans to enjoy, and the atmosphere will be even more memorable if Canadian fighters perform well on the night!