Ready to rumble: UFC announces Asia return with October fight night planned in Manila

There was good news for the mixed martial arts masses across Asia on Thursday with the announcement that the sport will return to the region later in the year.

UFC Fight Night Manila will be staged at the Philippine capital’s SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, October 15, as the UFC attempts to spread its influence across Asia following its successful debut in Manila last May, a night headlined by Frankie Edgar’s punishing win over Urijah Faber in a featherweight bout.

“Manila is a fighting city and we hope to put on another unforgettable show that will capture the hearts of Filipino sports fans throughout the country,” executive vice-president and general manager of UFC Asia Kenneth Berger said in statement.

Tickets will go on sale in August and the line-up is still to be finalised.

The news was welcomed by Alberto Mina, the only Hong Kong fighter on the UFC’s books, even though the perfect scenario obviously would be to have an event here in his home town, given the UFC has so far hosted sold-out events in the likes of Macau, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo, as well as Manila.

“That would be perfect but no matter where they decide to stage the fights we’ve been trying to build the sport here over the past few years and it’s important to showcase what the UFC has to offer for Asian fans so they can get up close and enjoy the whole experience,” said the Brazilian-born 34-year-old.