Asia

Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena to host inaugural Chinese UFC event

The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai has been selected to stage the first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in China.

The mixed martial arts series will visit the country for the first time later this year, with UFC Fight Night Shanghai to take place on November 25.

Although exact details of the live event are yet to be revealed by the UFC, it has been confirmed that tickets for the series’ inaugural China event will go on sale from tomorrow (Tuesday).

In addition, the UFC will stage a series of events to enable fans in Shanghai and a host of other cities to meet with UFC athletes. Current UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway will take part in the first of these special events from August 3-4.

Joe Carr, senior vice-president of international and content at the UFC, said: “We are always asked when the UFC will be making its debut in mainland China.

“We are honoured to confirm that Shanghai will be the home of the very first live UFC event in mainland China and to say that we are excited is an understatement. The entire organisation is looking forward to making history this year.”

The UFC has also announced that General Tire, its official tyre partner in the Asia-Pacific region, will present the debut Fight Night Shanghai later this year.

Mitchell Golledge, head of marketing Re PLT Tyres APAC at General Tire, said: “We anticipate an exciting future in the China market and we look forward to teaming up with the UFC to bring General Tire customers the ‘Anywhere is Possible’ spirit of adventure that speaks to UFC fans worldwide.”

Opened in April 2010, Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena has a capacity of 18,000 and has been used to stage a host of major sports and live entertainment events, including pre-season games for North America’s NBA basketball league and various high-profile music concerts.

Image: SSYoung