The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make a triumphant return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai scheduled for December 9. The event will be held at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium, marking this as the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in the vibrant city of Shanghai.
Event Highlights
Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand, is taking on the role of presenter for the event. This partnership further emphasizes the significance of the occasion, bringing together elements of luxury and high-octane sports action.
The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of Asian MMA talent, featuring the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has been a hotbed for nurturing and discovering new fighters in the region. Four final bouts are slated to take place on the preliminary card, with the winners earning the coveted prize - UFC contracts.
Chinese Fighters in the Spotlight
An impressive lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently at the event, demonstrating the depth of local talent in the sport. However, fans are still eagerly awaiting the announcement of the headlining bout, which remains unconfirmed at this time.
Industry Voices
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in the company's partnership with UFC, stating, "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 further 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."
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, reminisced about the first UFC Shanghai event in 2017, saying, "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 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."
Chang also highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, where the UFC has made significant investments. "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," he stated.
With anticipation building, the return of UFC to Shanghai promises to be an exhilarating affair, showcasing not just the growth of the sport in China, but also the rising talents who are set to shape its future.