In a thrilling development for mixed martial arts (MMA) fans, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making its return to China. UFC Fight Night Shanghai is scheduled for December 9 and will take place at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in the vibrant city of Shanghai.
Spotlight on Asian MMA Talent
The event is set to feature the finals of Road to UFC season 2, an exciting knockout tournament that showcases the best of Asian MMA talent. Four final bouts are slated for the preliminary card. The stakes are high as winners of these bouts will be awarded UFC contracts, opening doors to international recognition and opportunities.
Chinese Fighters Take Centre Stage
One can expect a lineup of Chinese fighters to feature prominently in the event. Although the headlining bout remains unconfirmed, anticipation is building around which athletes will take centre stage. With the rapid growth of MMA in China, the local talent is expected to put up a formidable show.
A Landmark Partnership
This event is a testament to the successful partnership between Endeavor China and UFC. Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed pride in their role in the exponential growth of MMA in China, serving passionate combat sports fans across the country.
"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," said Huang.
Huang also expressed excitement about bringing another sensational event to Shanghai, highlighting the promising new wave of UFC athletes representing China inside the rejuvenated Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
"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," Huang added.
UFC's Commitment to China
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, reflected on the success of their first Shanghai event in 2017. The historic evening broke records and marked UFC's arrival in mainland China.
"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," said Chang.
Chang expressed eagerness about putting on another incredible show for the passionate fans and showcasing the next generation of UFC athletes from China.
"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," Chang stated.
Hosting the event in Shanghai, where UFC has made significant investments, is seen as a fitting way to write the next chapter of the growth of MMA in China, according to Chang.
"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," concluded Chang.
Rio Strong, a sparkling wine brand, will present the event, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to the thrilling fight night. As the countdown begins, fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable night of action in Shanghai.