UFC Returns to China with Fight Night Shanghai
As a sports journalist, I'm thrilled to report that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is making a triumphant return to China. The highly anticipated event, UFC Fight Night Shanghai, is set for December 9, promising an exciting night of combat sports in the heart of mainland China.
UFC Fight Night Shanghai: A Glance at the Venue
The action will unfold at the newly renovated Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility has been refreshed and revitalized, ready to host the thrilling spectacle that is UFC Fight Night. Adding a touch of sparkle to the event is Rio Strong, a renowned brand of sparkling wine, which has taken on the role of presenting sponsor.
A Platform for Emerging Asian MMA Talent
One of the highlights of the night will be the finals of the Road to UFC Season 2. This knockout tournament has become a beacon for burgeoning Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talent across Asia. Fans can look forward to four final bouts on the preliminary card, where fighters will battle it out for more than just victory - winners will be awarded coveted UFC contracts.
China's Growing Presence in UFC
This event marks the fourth UFC occasion in mainland China and the second in Shanghai. It underscores the growing influence of Chinese athletes in the sport, with a lineup of local fighters expected to feature prominently throughout the night. However, fans are still eagerly awaiting the announcement of the headlining bout.
Voices from the Top
Sum Huang, CEO of Endeavor China, expressed his pride in the partnership with UFC, stating, "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 further 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, echoed Huang's sentiments. He reminisced about the first UFC Shanghai event in 2017, describing it as a "historic evening that broke records, created lasting memories, and announced UFC's arrival in mainland China." Looking forward to the upcoming event, he said, "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 also highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Shanghai, where UFC has made significant investments. "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," he stated.
As the anticipation builds, fans across the globe are preparing for an unforgettable night of action. The return of UFC to China is not just a sporting event; it's a testament to the rise of MMA in the country and the growing global influence of Chinese fighters.