The UFC will return to Canada this summer, as a live event is set to take place in the MTS Centre in Winnipeg on June 15, 2013. The event, which is expected to serve as UFC 161 (a pay-per-view), will mark the organizations first appearance in the province of Manitoba.

To date, the UFC has put on 12 fight cards in Canada, six being in Montreal, three in Toronto, two in Vancouver and one in Calgary.  With UFC 158: St. Pierre vs Diaz just around the corner, the June event will likely mark the UFC’s 14th visit to the “Great White North”.

Rumors are already swirling about potential bouts for the June 15 card. Those rumors include a pair of light heavyweight match-ups which would showcase Dan Henderson facing Rashad Evans, as well as Shogun Rua facing Antônio Rogério Nogueira in a rematch from their Pride days.

A welterweight match-up between Jake Shields and Tyron Woodley has also been rumored for the event, but nothing has been confirmed by UFC officials.

Being a resident of Winnipeg, I can tell you that the news of the UFC’s first appearance has taken the city by storm. As with every event held in Canada, I would expect much local talent to be on the card. Winnipeg-based fighter Roland Delorme will certainly have a spot on this card and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the return of light heavyweight Krzysztof Soszynski at this event, as he is also from Winnipeg.

Stay tuned to bjpenn.com for further updates.