In an exciting development for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make its return to China. The event, dubbed UFC Fight Night Shanghai, is scheduled for December 9 and will be held at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
Event Highlights
The event is being presented by Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand. Among the highlights of the night, it will feature the finals of Road to UFC season 2, a knockout tournament that has been instrumental in showcasing Asian MMA talent.
Four decisive bouts are set to take place on the preliminary card. These fights carry significant weight as the winners will be awarded UFC contracts, a golden opportunity for any aspiring fighter. However, the headlining bout of the evening remains unconfirmed and is eagerly anticipated by fans.
A Historic Occasion
This event marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai, reflecting the sport's growing popularity in the region. A lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently, further emphasizing the country's emerging presence in the world of MMA.
Key Figures Speak Up
"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," expressed Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China.
He 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, echoed these sentiments. "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 stated.
Chang added, "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. 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."
As anticipation builds for UFC Fight Night Shanghai, one thing is certain: the event promises an exciting display of talent and a thrilling night for MMA enthusiasts around the world.