UFC Returns to China with Fight Night Shanghai
In an exciting development for fight fans, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced its return to China. The eagerly anticipated UFC Fight Night Shanghai is set to take place on December 9 at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai, further establishing the country's growing prominence in the MMA world.
Rio Strong Presents the Event
The event is presented by Rio Strong, a distinguished sparkling wine brand known for supporting high-profile sports events. As the presenting sponsor, Rio Strong continues to play a crucial role in bringing top-tier combat sports to audiences worldwide.
Spotlight on Asian MMA Talent
One of the key highlights of the event will be the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has been instrumental in discovering and promoting Asian MMA talent. Four final bouts will occur on the preliminary card, providing a platform for these fighters to showcase their skills and make their mark on the global stage.
Winners of these bouts will not just earn bragging rights but also secure coveted UFC contracts. This opportunity could potentially serve as a career-defining moment for these athletes, propelling them into the international MMA spotlight.
Chinese Fighters to Feature Prominently
With the event taking place in China, a lineup of local fighters is expected to feature prominently. While the headlining bout is yet to be confirmed, anticipation is already building among fans eager to see homegrown talent in action.
Endeavor China and UFC: A Fruitful Partnership
"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. This partnership has indeed been pivotal in bringing UFC events to Chinese audiences and fostering local talent.
Building on their successful debut in Shanghai in 2017, Huang expressed excitement about bringing another sensational event to the city. "We are excited to highlight the promising new wave of UFC athletes representing our country inside the rejuvenated Shanghai Indoor Stadium," he added.
UFC's Commitment to Growth in Asia
"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," reminisced Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia. The upcoming event will undoubtedly aim to replicate this success and further solidify UFC's presence in the region.
Chang also expressed enthusiasm for showcasing the next generation of UFC athletes from the country. "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," he concluded.
As we countdown to December 9, one thing is certain: UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be an action-packed event that will continue to elevate the status of MMA in China and beyond.