UFC announces first event to be held in mainland China
The Ultimate Fighting Championship will make its debut on Chinese soil at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on 25 November.
UFC, the world’s biggest mixed martial arts league, will stage its first event in China at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on 25 November. None of the fighters of the event have been confirmed yet, however, over the next few months, UFC will be announcing their fight card. The presence of Chinese fighters is almost guaranteed.
UFC keen to enter Asian market
UFC senior vice-president Joe Carr told that the entire organization is looking forward to making a successful entrance to the China market. “We are always asked when UFC will be making its debut in China. We anticipate an exciting future in the China market. The entire organization is looking forward to making history this year”, he explained.
Meanwhile Kevin Chang, UFC’s head of Asia, told the press that the organization is anticipating to develop more shows in Asia. “We definitely anticipate more events in China and not just in Shanghai”.
He also mentioned that despite China’s long history of martial arts, MMA’s road is still developing in the country. “These past few years have been a boon for sports in China where changes in the media landscape all happened so fast, and everything was hot. There are signs that the market is shifting, as the consumer is demanding only what is authentic and best in class. In the world of combat sports, that is the UFC, and we will continue to grow for that reason,” Chang explained.
UFC’s first time on mainland China
In previous years, UFC hosted three events in Macau, once in 2012 and twice in 2014. However, November 25 will be the first time that UFC visits the mainland. In the months leading to the event, UFC fighters will be traveling along China to meet and interact with fans.