As the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) continues to grow in popularity, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is once again turning its attention towards the East. The organization is set to return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai, scheduled for December 9. This event will take place at the recently renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium and promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fight fans.
Event Presented by Rio Strong
The upcoming event is being presented by Rio Strong, a sparkling wine brand known for its support of combat sports. This partnership underlines the growing interest and investment in MMA from diverse sectors of business.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has been instrumental in unearthing and promoting Asian MMA talent, shining a spotlight on fighters who might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Four final bouts will take place on the preliminary card, with the winners walking away not just with bragging rights, but also coveted UFC contracts.
Fourth UFC Event in Mainland China
This event marks the fourth time that UFC has hosted an event in mainland China and the second time it has done so in Shanghai. A strong lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently, underscoring the country's burgeoning reputation as a hotbed of MMA talent. However, the headlining bout remains a closely guarded secret, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the proceedings.
Industry Voices
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in the role his company has played in the growth of MMA in China through its 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," he said.
Building on the success of UFC's debut in Shanghai in 2017, Huang is excited about the upcoming event. "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, reflected on the historical significance of the first UFC Shanghai event back in 2017. "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 reminisced.
Chang also expressed anticipation 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 emphasized the importance of hosting the event in Shanghai, where significant investments have been made to change the sport and stimulate the growth of MMA in China.
In conclusion, UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be an exciting night of action that will not only entertain fans but also continue to foster the growth of MMA in China.