Real Madrid 'interested' in hosting Conor McGregor fight at iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium

UFC is looking to expand its brand within Europe and Madrid’s famous ground would certainly help to boost interest in the sport on the continent

The Santiago Bernabeu could host a UFC event some time next year (Getty)

The iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium could be set to host a UFC event – but only if Conor McGregor is signed as the headline act.

UFC is looking to expand its brand within Europe and Real Madrid’s Bernabeu would certainly help to boost interest in the sport on the continent.

Irish radio station Newstalk quoted a spokesperson from Madrid who had allegedly confirmed that they would “be glad if we could make a UFC event; our stadium can hold more than 80,000 fans”.

The club spokesperson reportedly added that the “event has to be hosted from May to July” in order to coincide with the football off-season. Sufficient notice would also be required to ensure the appropriate preparation was in place.

The spokesperson made it clear that the stadium has the means to host a mixed martial arts contest. “The stadium offers a fully retractable roof, short hall arena system and hybrid pitch with Terraplas covering,” they said.

Indeed, the arena has a history for hosting combat sports. In 2007 it held the Calzaghe vs Kessler fight for more than 50,000 fans.

McGregor has often spoken of wanting to fight closer to home, to make attendance easier for his loyal Irish fan base.

And Madrid’s famous ground could also offer the Dubliner the chance to reunite with Los Blancos star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The two were photographed together over the summer after the Portuguese visited the fighter’s training camp in Las Vegas.

Real Madrid have not officially confirmed interest in a possible UFC event but speculation has been mounting within the Spanish media.