In a thrilling announcement, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has declared its return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai. The event is set to take place on December 9 at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
Presenting Rio Strong
Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand, will be presenting the event, adding a touch of luxury to the high-octane atmosphere. This partnership underlines the growing influence of combat sports in the mainstream and the increasing appeal of UFC events among a diverse audience.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
The event will feature the much-anticipated finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has been instrumental in spotlighting Asian MMA talent, providing a platform for fighters to showcase their skills and earn recognition on an international stage.
Four final bouts are slated to occur on the preliminary card. Winners from these bouts will not only claim victory but also be awarded coveted UFC contracts, marking a significant milestone in their professional careers.
A Historic Return
This event marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai, reflecting UFC's commitment to nurturing and promoting MMA in the region. A lineup of Chinese fighters is expected to feature prominently, further solidifying China's burgeoning presence in the global MMA scene.
However, fans are still eagerly awaiting the confirmation of the headlining bout, adding an element of suspense to the build-up towards this monumental event.
Voices from the Industry
"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," stated Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China. He 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, 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 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. 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 the countdown begins, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be another landmark event in the history of MMA in China. Stay tuned for more updates as they unfold.