UFC Returns to China with Fight Night Shanghai
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making a triumphant return to the heart of China. UFC Fight Night Shanghai, set for December 9, will be hosted in the recently renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. The event is presented by Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
One of the highlights of the event is the culmination of the Road to UFC season 2, a knockout tournament designed to discover and nurture Asian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talent. Four final bouts are slated to take place on the preliminary card, promising an evening of intense competition and high stakes.
Victory in these bouts carries more than just prestige; winners will be awarded coveted UFC contracts. This opportunity could be a game-changer for the athletes involved, catapulting their careers onto the international stage.
A Milestone Event
This event marks the fourth UFC venture into mainland China and the second in Shanghai. Given the success of previous events, this upcoming fight night is expected to draw considerable attention from fans and industry insiders alike.
A lineup of Chinese fighters is anticipated to feature prominently, showcasing the growing pool of MMA talent within the country. However, at this time, the headlining bout is yet to be confirmed.
Industry Leaders' Take
"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 Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China. He further expressed his excitement about the event, "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 Huang's 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 recalled. He further 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 emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, where the UFC is headquartered and has made significant investments. "To be able to host this event back where it all started, in this incredible city where we 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 said.
With such high expectations and excitement building around UFC Fight Night Shanghai, the world will be watching closely as the event unfolds, showcasing the best of Asian MMA talent.