In a monumental move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced its return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai. Scheduled for December 9, the event will take place at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai, indicating a strong commitment to developing mixed martial arts (MMA) in the region.
Presented by Rio Strong
The upcoming event is presented by Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand. Their involvement underscores the significance of this event, not just within the MMA community, but also in the broader sports and entertainment industry.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
One of the highlights of UFC Fight Night Shanghai is the finals of Road to UFC season 2. This knockout tournament has been instrumental in discovering and fostering Asian MMA talent. The tournament's four final bouts will take place on the preliminary card, providing a platform for these rising stars to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Adding to the stakes, the winners of these bouts will be awarded UFC contracts. This opportunity could catapult these fighters into the international MMA spotlight, marking a significant milestone in their professional careers.
Chinese Fighters in the Limelight
UFC Fight Night Shanghai is expected to prominently feature a lineup of Chinese fighters. While the headlining bout is yet to be confirmed, the anticipation surrounding who will take center stage adds to the excitement of the event.
Industry Leaders Reflect on the Event
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in the company's partnership with UFC. "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," he said.
Building on their successful debut in Shanghai in 2017, Huang continued, "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 these 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 recalled.
Chang also 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 added, "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 world eagerly awaits what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the UFC's history in China.