As the year draws to a close, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make a triumphant return to China with UFC Fight Night Shanghai. Scheduled for December 9, the event will take place at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium, marking a significant moment in the history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Asia.
A Sparkling Sponsorship
The upcoming event has garnered attention not only for its line-up but also for its unique sponsorship. Rio Strong, a renowned sparkling wine brand, is stepping into the ring as the presenting sponsor. This collaboration adds an unexpected twist, merging the world of fine wines with the adrenaline-fueled sport of MMA.
Road to UFC Season 2 Finals
UFC Fight Night Shanghai isn't just another event on the calendar; it holds high stakes for aspiring fighters across Asia. The night will feature the finals of Road to UFC season 2, a knockout tournament designed to spotlight and nurture Asian MMA talent. Four final bouts will take place on the preliminary card, each one a potential career-maker. Winners of these bouts will be awarded coveted UFC contracts, opening the door to a world of opportunities.
China's Growing Presence in UFC
This event marks the fourth UFC occasion in mainland China and the second in Shanghai. It's a testament to the growing popularity and development of the sport in the country. Fans can expect a strong lineup of Chinese fighters, reflecting the nation's burgeoning talent pool and increasing prominence in global MMA circles. However, the suspense is still building as the headlining bout remains unconfirmed.
Voices from the Top
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride and optimism about the 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," Huang said.
Reflecting on UFC's history in China, Huang added, "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, also shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming event. "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," Chang reminisced.
Chang continued, "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 that hosting the event in Shanghai, where UFC is headquartered and has made significant investments, is a fitting way to write the next chapter of the growth of MMA in China.
As anticipation builds for UFC Fight Night Shanghai, one thing is clear: this event will not only be a thrilling spectacle but also a significant milestone in the evolution of MMA in China and Asia at large.