UFC Seeking Slice Of Chinese Market With First Fight On The Mainland

UFC will "hold its first fight in mainland China, as it seeks a larger slice of the country's vast sports market," according to Tom Hancock of the FINANCIAL TIMES. UFC SVP Joe Carr said, "We anticipate an exciting future in the China market." The event in Shanghai in November will be jointly organized by the municipal sports bureau and will "probably see Chinese-born fighters compete." UFC is "relatively late to China's growing MMA market." Rival leagues such as Singapore’s One Championship and local tournament Kunlun Fight "hold regular bouts in China." The league’s online broadcast deals in China "helped it amass a fan base" of nearly 40 million, according to UFC Head of Asia Kevin Chang. The league signed several Chinese fighters in recent years and Chang said that creating a roster of "local heroes and building local stars," would be "essential" for success in the world's largest consumer market (FT, 7/30).

We're heading to Mainland China for the first time ever! #UFCShanghai goes down on Nov. 25! Pre-sale starts on Aug 1 https://t.co/0emh1q0X6q pic.twitter.com/GqCaWpLv9V

— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) July 30, 2017