As a sports journalist, it's my pleasure to report that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making its triumphant return to China. The event, UFC Fight Night Shanghai, is scheduled for December 9 at the renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai.
A Showcase of Asian Talent
The upcoming event will feature the finals of Road to UFC season 2, a knockout tournament designed to spotlight rising Asian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talent. This competition, which has been instrumental in identifying promising fighters, will culminate in four final bouts on the preliminary card. The stakes are high - winners of these bouts will be awarded coveted UFC contracts, offering them an opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Presented by Rio Strong
The event is being presented by Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand. Their association with this event reflects the growing interest of corporate brands in MMA, a sport that continues to gain global popularity.
Chinese Fighters Take Centre Stage
It's expected that a lineup of Chinese fighters will feature prominently at the event, highlighting the country's burgeoning MMA scene. However, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the headlining bout, which remains unconfirmed at this time.
Voices from the Industry
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his enthusiasm about the 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 stated.
Huang 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. "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 said.
Chang also expressed his 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 shared. He further emphasized UFC's commitment to the growth of MMA in China, stating, "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."
As we inch closer to the event, the excitement among fans and athletes alike is palpable. The UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent and a testament to the growing prominence of MMA in China.