The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making its much-anticipated return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai slated for December 9. The event will be held at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium, marking a significant milestone in the growth of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the country.
UFC: A Platform for Emerging Asian MMA Talent
Presented by Rio Strong, a well-known sparkling wine brand, the event will spotlight the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has emerged as a crucial platform for aspiring Asian MMA fighters, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Four final bouts are scheduled to take place on the preliminary card. Winners of these fights will not only earn bragging rights but also secure coveted UFC contracts, marking a significant step forward in their professional careers.
UFC's Growing Presence in China
This event represents the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second one in Shanghai, underlining the organization's commitment to developing the sport in the region. A lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently, further highlighting the growing talent pool in the country. However, the headlining bout is still to be confirmed.
Voices from the Industry
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride and satisfaction over the partnership with UFC. "Endeavor China's partnership with UFC has been instrumental in the rapid growth of MMA in China, and we are proud to play a role in serving passionate combat sports fans across the country," he said.
Huang continued, "Building on our successful debut in Shanghai in 2017, we are excited to bring another sensational event to the city and highlight the promising new wave of UFC athletes representing our country inside the rejuvenated Shanghai Indoor Stadium."
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, reflected on the success of their first event in Shanghai. "Our first UFC Shanghai event back in 2017 was a historic evening that broke records, created lasting memories, and announced UFC's arrival in mainland China," he said.
Chang is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming event. "We can't wait to put on another incredible show for our passionate fans and showcase the next generation of UFC athletes from the country," he stated. He also emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, where the UFC has made significant investments to change the sport and write the next chapter of MMA's growth in China.
The return of UFC Fight Night Shanghai signals an exciting time for MMA enthusiasts in China and the rest of the world. With promising talent, high-stakes bouts, and a commitment to growing the sport, the future of MMA in China looks brighter than ever.