UFC fans in China have something big to look forward to, as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced its return to the country with UFC Fight Night Shanghai on December 9. This marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai.
Event Details
The event is set to take place at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium, a testament to the UFC's commitment to bringing high-quality MMA action to fans in China. The sparkling wine brand, Rio Strong, will be presenting the event, adding an extra touch of glamour to the proceedings.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
In a thrilling showcase of Asian talent, the event will feature the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has been a hotbed for emerging MMA talent in Asia, and the finals are expected to be no different. Four final bouts will occur on the preliminary card, with each winner being awarded a coveted UFC contract.
Local Talent in the Spotlight
A lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently at the event, demonstrating the depth of local talent and the growing popularity of the sport in the country. However, the headlining bout is yet to be confirmed, leaving fans in suspense about who will take center stage at the event.
Partnership Bearing Fruit
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, spoke about the impact 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," said Huang. He also expressed excitement about returning to Shanghai, where UFC made its debut in 2017. "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."
Creating Lasting Memories
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, reflected on 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," said Chang.
Chang also expressed anticipation for the upcoming event. "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 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."
In conclusion, UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be an exciting event, not only for the local fans but also for the entire global MMA community. As the UFC continues to invest and expand in China, the future of MMA in the country looks brighter than ever.