The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making a triumphant return to China, with UFC Fight Night Shanghai scheduled for December 9. The event will be held at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium, marking the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in the city of Shanghai.
Event Highlights
Presented by Rio Strong, a leading brand of sparkling wine, the event promises an exciting lineup of fights. Notably, it will feature the finals of "Road to UFC" season 2, a knockout tournament designed to showcase Asian MMA talent. Four final bouts are set to take place on the preliminary card, with winners earning UFC contracts. This unique platform provides emerging fighters with an opportunity to make their mark in the world of professional MMA.
A strong contingent of Chinese fighters is expected to play a significant role in the event, although the headlining bout is still to be confirmed. Regardless, fans can anticipate a thrilling night of combat sports action.
Significance of the Event
The partnership between Endeavor China and UFC has been a crucial factor in the rapid growth of MMA in China. Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in contributing to the development of the sport and serving the passionate fan base across the country.
"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," said Huang.
Historic Context
The inaugural UFC Shanghai event in 2017 was a historic occasion that not only broke records but also marked UFC's arrival in mainland China. Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, reflected on this milestone and looked forward to 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," Chang stated. He further emphasized the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, where the UFC has its headquarters and has made significant investments to change the sport. According to Chang, this is a fitting way to write the next chapter of the growth of MMA in China.
With all eyes on Shanghai, the upcoming UFC Fight Night promises to be an exciting spectacle that will continue to fuel the growth of MMA in China and beyond.