The UFC today announced their inaugural, and much anticipated UFC Fight Night Manila event in partnership with SM Lifestyle Entertainment inc. The first UFC event in Asia of 2015 will take place in Manila on May 16, 2015 at the city’s destination venue, SM Mall of Asia Arena.
UFC announces first event in Manila on May 16
Executive Vice President and General Manager, UFC Asia, Ken Berger said: “We are thrilled to be kicking off our Asia event calendar in Manila this year. The UFC has a loyal and passionate fan base in the Philippines and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best of mixed martial arts (MMA) to Manila for the first time. We have found a great event partner in SM Lifestyle Entertainment inc. and are excited that the SM Mall of Asia Arena will be home to a historic UFC event that fans will remember for years to come.”
“We are really excited to have the first UFC event in the Philippines,” says President of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Mr. Edgar Tejerero, “We are happy to share that this is the only UFC event to take place in South East Asia this year.” He continues. “At SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., we are determined to bringing topnotch sports and entertainment events for the enjoyment of every Filipino. We have already introduced the first pre-season game of a globally-renowned basketball association, and have recently brought the world’s top tennis players into our venue. It is only fitting that SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. welcomes the MMA phenomenon which is UFC into the Philippines.”
The UFC is the fastest growing sports organization in the world and is viewed as the pinnacle of MMA by both athletes and fans. With close to 40 Asian fighters signed, the UFC in Asia is growing at an exponential rate. Previous events in the region have taken place in Macao, Singapore and Tokyo attracting tens of thousands of fans and millions of TV viewers. Last November, former UFC champion Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit was in Manila for a media tour and fan experience, hosting an open workout event which attracted over 4,000 fans.
The UFC Fight Night Manila event will be broadcast all over the world giving the UFC’s international fans a taste of the immense passion and support the Philippines fans have for MMA.
Tickets will go on sale in March, launched in conjunction with SM Tickets at www.smtickets.com.
