UFC will return to Asia with the UFC 275 event held in Singapore on June 12. This is the first time the world's leading MMA tournament system has organized an event in Asia since more than 2 years of absence because of Covid-19 pandemic. The last time UFC took place on this continent was in Busan, South Korea in December 2019.
In a recent interview with AFP, President of UFC Dana White confirmed that it would be started to return to competition events across Asia. “Whenever we can organize, I am willing to do it,” White said. “I want to show that right after UFC can work normally in Asia, I am ready to deploy events here.”
In addition, American businessman revealed that he wanted to add a 48kg weight class (Atomweight) to UFC with a vision to the Asian market. Atomweight is a traditional weight of Asian boxers. But so far, they still have to raise the 52kg weight (straw) weight to have the opportunity to attend UFC.
“Our goal in every country around the world is to cultivate talent and build this sport,” White added. “I think we will have to go deeper into the Asian market and start building the system but I believe we can completely add a 48kg weight class.”
Melbourne witnessed 57,127 audiences coming to the Docklands Stadium in 2019 to watch an UFC event, breaking the previous record was 56,214, set at the same location for the shock defeat of Ronda Rousey against Holly Holm in 2015.
This is also the reason White wants to return to the Asian market soon. He added: “In recent years, Asia shows a huge potential for UFC. Look at the number of talented boxers from this area.
Singapore is great. They organize this event with us (UFC 275) and it immediately sold out. Therefore, I want to cooperate with more countries. “