After a long hiatus, the UFC is finally making its way back to mainland China — and it’s bringing fireworks with it. For the first time since 2019, UFC will host Fight Night Shanghai at the iconic Shanghai Indoor Arena on Saturday, August 23, alongside the Road to UFC Season 4 semifinals the day before. This marks a major milestone in the UFC’s growing commitment to China, a country it views as a rising powerhouse in MMA.
Back-to-Back Fight Nights: China Reclaims Its UFC Spotlight
Shanghai’s fight week will be stacked, starting with the Road to UFC semifinals on August 22. The winners from these bouts will earn a shot at a multi-fight UFC contract — a life-changing opportunity for Asia’s top prospects. Then comes the main event: UFC Fight Night Shanghai. This will be the fourth UFC event in mainland China and the first since the pandemic disrupted international sports.
Kevin Chang, UFC’s Head of Asia, called Shanghai a “special place” for the promotion. It’s home to the UFC’s $13 million Performance Institute and has helped develop talents like Zhang Weili, who became the first Chinese UFC champion. Now, with the return of live fights, the city is once again center stage for the sport’s Asian ambitions.
Why This Event Matters
The buzz around UFC’s Shanghai return isn’t just about the fights — it’s about what they represent. MMA is growing fast in China, thanks in part to trailblazers like Zhang Weili and Song Yadong, both of whom have become national heroes in the sport. Zhang, now the strawweight champ, says fighting on home soil gives her “an incredible boost of energy.”
For years, UFC’s ambitions in China were slowed by the country’s strict COVID-19 travel rules. But with those hurdles cleared and government support growing, the UFC sees a bright future in the region. As Chang puts it, “This is the next frontier.”
For real-time sports news, expert analysis, and exclusive updates, visit DanredSports.com!