UFC Returns to China with Fight Night Shanghai
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making its much-anticipated return to the heart of Asia. UFC Fight Night Shanghai is scheduled for December 9, set to take place at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
This event is being presented by Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand, marking an exciting collaboration between the sports and luxury beverage sectors.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
In a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, the event will feature the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has become a prominent platform for Asian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes to demonstrate their skills and vie for recognition in the global arena.
Four decisive bouts will take place on the preliminary card, with each winner earning a coveted UFC contract. These bouts are expected to be fiercely competitive, as each fighter aims to secure their future in the world's premier MMA organization.
A Milestone for UFC in China
UFC Fight Night Shanghai represents a significant milestone, being the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai. The event underscores UFC's commitment to nurturing local talent and growing the sport within the country.
An impressive lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently, demonstrating the depth of talent that exists within China's MMA landscape. However, the headlining bout remains unconfirmed at this stage.
Endeavor China and UFC: A Fruitful Partnership
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, emphasized the importance of their 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," Huang said.
Reflecting on UFC's history in China, Huang 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."
A New Chapter for MMA in China
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, echoed Huang's sentiments. He reminisced about the inaugural UFC Shanghai event back in 2017, which was a historic evening that broke records and signaled UFC's arrival in mainland 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 expressed. Emphasizing the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, he 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 all eyes on December 9, UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be an exhilarating event, marking yet another milestone in the ongoing story of MMA's growth in China.