2016 has been a great year for European MMA, but in 2017 it looks like things are going to be taken to a whole new level.

Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) took their first venture into the British market in October this year when ACB 47: Braveheart was held in Glasgow, Scotland.

Next year, the Russian based promotion are planning another event in the British market and this time they are heading to Manchester, England in March with what looks like shaping up as one of the biggest fight cards in European mixed martial arts history.

Sources close to FloCombat have revealed that a European super-fight is in the works with the KSW middleweight champion Mamed Khalidov (31-4-2) set to take on the Venator FC middleweight champion, Luke Barnatt (11-3).

Khalidov is unbeaten in six years and last competed back in May when he successfully defended his KSW belt for the first time against Aziz Karaoglu at KSW 35. The Russian-born Polish fighter has several big names wins on his record including Melvin Manhoef, Kendall Grove, Matt Lindland, Igor Pokrajac and Jesse Taylor.

Khalidov is considered a legend amongst the Polish and Russian people and with both communities well represented in the U.K., it's likely his presence alone would've sold out the Manchester Arena.

Making the deal doubly sweet though is the man who will stand across him in the cage in Manchester next March--Luke Barnatt.

The former The Ultimate Fighter contestant has bounced back well since his departure from the UFC in 2015 and has since racked up three big wins and the Venator FC middleweight title.

Barnatt will be looking to get his name back in the mix of the elite fighters at 185-pounds in Europe and a win over Khalidov in March will no doubt create some big waves for him.

Pride, money and promotional bragging rights will be on the line when it's winner takes all in this All-European superfight heading to the Manchester Arena next March.

FloCombat's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloCombat mailing list today.