MMA fever proves highly contagious in Hong Kong
A plethora of gyms and classes have sprung up in Hong Kong, and as their popularity proves, they aren't just for muscle-bound men
Speak to the athletes and it soon becomes apparent the attraction of mixed martial arts is universal.
On the sidelines of the launch of the UFC Macao - held inside the Epic MMA Club in Central - both fighters headlining the November 10 card talked about the physical challenge the sport provides and of the constant need for fighters to improve their skills, and to develop new ones.
"For an athlete, it allows you to train and compete at the highest level," said Cung Le. "It's about becoming the best athlete you can possibly be."
His opponent, Rich Franklin, said that once he began training in MMA, there was no turning back. "It became my passion and my life," he said. "The slogan is that it's as real as it gets - and it really is. It is pure competition. And you have to spend so much time perfecting your craft."
A proliferation of mixed martial arts clubs - and of gyms in general offering classes that are based around the various disciplines involved - has seen this passion spread throughout the general population, too.
At the 15,000 sq ft Epic MMA Club separate groups are put through their paces - one being trained in Brazilian jiu jitsu, one in muay thai and one sweating it out thanks to an intense cross-training programme.