THE Ultimate Fighting Championship will return to Adelaide before 2019, skipping fight hot-spots Melbourne and Sydney to host its second South Australian show in three years.

The news, exclusively revealed by the Sunday Mail, will be announced officially during the blockbuster UFC 226 Pay-Per-View today.

The fight card will take place on Sunday, December 2, at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Today in Las Vegas, Stipe Miocic will take on Daniel Cormier in a main event superfight for the UFC heavyweight title belt. The main card starts at 11.30am.

Stipe Miocic lands a stiff jab on Mark Hunt’s chin at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in 2015. Photo Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

By coincidence, it was current heavyweight champion Miocic who featured on Adelaide’s first UFC card on May 10, 2015.

Miocic stamped himself as a 120kg contender with a one-sided beat down of Australian and fan favourite Mark Hunt.

He was relentless in front of a sold-out crowd (7984) at the AEC, landing a record 361 strikes on Hunt before the fight was stopped in Round 5.

Two fights later, Miocic dethroned Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in Brazil to win the belt. He has won three straight fights since, two by KO.

Miocic after his most recent title defence against Francis Ngannou at UFC 220. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) Source: AP

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mail, Miocic said he wanted to return to Adelaide, but must first deal with Cormier.

“I feel great, I’m ready for it and it’s a great match-up for me.” Miocic said.

“Whether it’s a finish or a submission I want my hand raised.

“(And) I loved Adelaide, the people, the food and the weather was great. I’d love to come back to enjoy the city.”

Australian and current middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, who recently beat Cuban Yoel Romero in Chicago, also fought in Adelaide. He stunned fans with a 44-second KO of Hawaiian Brad Tavares.

After the win, Whittaker continued his rise through UFC ranks before winning the belt last year. This month, he was named International Fighter of the Year at the World Mixed Martial Arts Awards.

Other Australians making waves in the UFC, who could fight in December, include heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, light heavyweight Tyson Pedro, welterweight Jake Matthews and featherweight Alexander Volkanovski.

UFC senior vice president David Shaw said fans could expect to see big names.

“For us to get back to Adelaide after a few years off is very exciting,” he said.

“It’s about getting a deep card that will definitely impress.”

Matchmakers will scout local talent for undercard opportunities. Fight announcements will be made in coming months.