In a thrilling announcement for combat sports enthusiasts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make its grand return to China. The much-anticipated UFC Fight Night Shanghai will take place on December 9 at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
Presented by Rio Strong
Adding a touch of luxury to the event, the sparkling wine brand Rio Strong will be presenting the event. This partnership brings together two entities that embody resilience and tenacity, promising an unforgettable night for fans.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
The Shanghai event will also serve as the stage for the finals of Road to UFC Season 2. This knockout tournament has been a hotbed for nurturing Asian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talent, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. A total of four final bouts are scheduled to occur on the preliminary card. The stakes couldn't be higher, as winners of these bouts will be awarded coveted UFC contracts, a dream come true for any aspiring MMA fighter.
A Milestone Event
This marks the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the second in Shanghai, signaling the growing popularity of the sport in the country. The lineup is expected to prominently feature Chinese fighters, who will no doubt be eager to put on a show in front of their home crowd. As of now, the headlining bout is yet to be confirmed, adding an element of suspense to the already exhilarating event.
Voices from the Industry
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in the role his company has played in the growth of MMA in China. "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 is excited to bring another sensational event to the city. He emphasized the importance of highlighting the promising new wave of UFC athletes representing China inside the rejuvenated Shanghai Indoor Stadium.
Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, echoed Huang's sentiments. He reminisced about the first UFC Shanghai event back in 2017, describing it as a "historic evening that broke records" and marked UFC's arrival in mainland China.
"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 added. He also noted the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, the city where UFC is headquartered and has made significant investments.
With such high stakes and a lineup of talented fighters, UFC Fight Night Shanghai promises to be an electrifying spectacle, further solidifying the growth of MMA in China.