UFC makes mainland China debut with Shanghai event on Nov. 25

The UFC is set for its long-awaited debut in mainland China.

An event, likely to be a UFC Fight Night offering, is scheduled for Nov. 25, officials announced during Saturday’s UFC 214 broadcast.

The show takes place at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, the world’s largest city with a population of more than 24 million.

Broadcast plans, as well as potential matchups, weren’t announced for the card. However, the fight card will start fill in the coming months, and it’s likely to be heavy on Asian talent. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1.

“We are always asked when the UFC will be making its debut in mainland China,” UFC Senior Vice President of International and Content Joe Carr stated. “We are honored to confirm that Shanghai will be the home of the very first live UFC event in mainland China, and to say that we are excited is an understatement. The entire organization is looking forward to making history this year.”

The UFC has long wanted to break into the China market. However, to date, the closest the UFC has gotten is Macau, a special administrative region of China that’s hosted three events since 2012.

For more on UFC Fight Night in Shanghai, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.