In a significant announcement, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make its return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai scheduled for December 9. The event is planned to take place at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium, marking a new chapter in the UFC's presence in mainland China.
Presented by Rio Strong
The forthcoming event will be presented by Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand. This collaboration highlights the growing interest and investment from various sectors in the rapidly expanding world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
UFC Fight Night Shanghai will feature the much-anticipated finals of the Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has become a platform for showcasing Asian MMA talent on an international stage. Four final bouts are slated for the preliminary card, with each promising high-stakes action and intense competition.
The winners of these bouts will not just claim victory but will also be awarded coveted UFC contracts. These contracts could potentially launch their careers into the global MMA spotlight, offering them the chance to compete against some of the best fighters in the world.
Fourth UFC Event in Mainland China
This event signifies the fourth UFC outing in mainland China and the second in Shanghai. Since its first event in Shanghai back in 2017, UFC has continued to grow its fanbase and cultivate local talent in the region. A lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to prominently feature in the upcoming event, further demonstrating the rise of Chinese athletes in this demanding sport.
Awaiting Confirmation on Headlining Bout
While anticipation builds, the headlining bout for the event is yet to be confirmed. Regardless, given the quality of the fights already announced, fans can expect a night filled with thrilling action and exceptional talent.
Endeavor China and UFC: A Successful Partnership
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in the partnership with UFC. He stated, "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."
Huang also added, "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."
UFC's Commitment to Growth in Asia
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, echoed these sentiments. He reminisced about the first UFC Shanghai event back in 2017, calling it a "historic evening that broke records, created lasting memories, and announced UFC's arrival in mainland China."
Chang expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, stating, "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 further added, "To be able to host this event back where it all started, in this incredible city where we are headquartered and have made significant investments to change the sport, is a fitting way to write the next chapter of the growth of MMA in China."
With such enthusiasm from both Endeavor China and UFC, fans worldwide can look forward to an exciting event that continues to elevate the status of MMA in China and beyond.