UFC returns to Mainland China awith August event in Shenzhen

Bloodyelbow.com

The UFC has announced their next event in Asia, with the promotion returning to China on August 31. The event will be held in Shenzhen, at the Universiade Sports Centre.

The event will be broadcast on ESPN+, and while no bouts have been announced just yet, it is expected to feature the #6 ranked strawweight Weili Zhang. The 29-year-old Chinese fighter has gone 3-0 in the UFC, and most recently defeated contender Tecia Torres last March.

The event is also likely to feature the bulk of the Chinese fighters in the UFC roster such as Li Jingliang and Song Yadong, along with some of their other fighters from the Asian region.

This marks the UFC’s third event in Mainland China in as many years, with the previous two being in Beijing in 2018 and Shanghai in 2017. Prior to breaking into the mainland, the UFC hosted three shows in Macau from 2012-2014.

Apart from these yearly events, the UFC has also been investing a lot in the country, and is set to open their second UFC Performance Institute this June, in Shanghai.

“China is the most important growth market for UFC,” UFC Senior VP for Asia-Pacific, Kevin Chang said. “Our ongoing success is a testament to the loyalty of our passionate fans, the on-going support from our partners, and the work we are doing to fast-track the development of UFC ready athletes in this region.”