The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced its return to the Middle Kingdom, scheduling UFC Fight Night Shanghai for December 9. The event will be held at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium and is presented by Rio Strong, a sparkling wine brand.
On the Road to UFC
One of the main attractions of the night will be the finals of the "Road to UFC" season 2. This knockout tournament is designed to showcase the best up-and-coming Asian mixed martial arts (MMA) talent. The preliminary card of the evening will feature four final bouts from this tournament. The stakes are high, as winners of these bouts will not only claim victory but also secure UFC contracts, catapulting them into the international MMA spotlight.
A History of UFC in China
This event marks the fourth UFC event on mainland China and the second in the bustling city of Shanghai. In a country where combat sports have a deep-rooted history and are immensely popular, the UFC's presence has been rapidly growing. The event is expected to see a lineup of Chinese fighters featuring prominently, further boosting local interest and support.
Headlining Bout Yet to Be Confirmed
As anticipation builds, the headlining bout remains a mystery. The UFC has yet to confirm which athletes will take center stage in the climactic fight of the evening. However, given the scale of the event and the talent pool available, fans can expect a thrilling contest.
Voices from the Industry
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, spoke about the impact of their partnership with UFC. He said, "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 further expressed his excitement about the upcoming 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, reminisced about their first Shanghai event. "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. He also expressed eagerness 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."
Indeed, the upcoming UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be an exciting chapter in the growth of MMA in China. With a lineup of talented fighters, high stakes, and the anticipation of a thrilling headline bout, December 9 is a date MMA fans should mark on their calendars.