As a sports journalist, it's always exciting to report on the growth and expansion of mixed martial arts (MMA) worldwide. Today, we turn our attention towards the East, where the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making significant strides. The UFC has announced its return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai, scheduled for December 9.
Event Details
The event will be held at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This is an especially significant venue as it marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai. The UFC's increasing presence in China is a testament to the sport's growing popularity in the region.
Rio Strong, a sparkling wine brand known for its support of sporting events, will present UFC Fight Night Shanghai. While the headlining bout remains to be confirmed, the event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a lineup of Chinese fighters expected to feature prominently.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
One of the major highlights of the event will be the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament is designed to showcase Asian MMA talent, providing a platform for these athletes to demonstrate their skills and earn their place in the UFC.
Four final bouts will take place on the preliminary card, with the winners being awarded UFC contracts. This opportunity could potentially catapult these fighters into the global MMA scene, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Voices from the Organization
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride and enthusiasm about the upcoming event. He stated, "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."
Building on the success of the UFC's debut in Shanghai in 2017, Huang added, "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. Recalling the first UFC Shanghai event in 2017, he said, "It was a historic evening that broke records, created lasting memories, and announced UFC's arrival in mainland China."
Chang expressed his anticipation for the upcoming event, saying, "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 further emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, 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."
With the stage set for an exciting night of fights and the potential emergence of new stars, UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be a landmark event in the continued growth of MMA in China.