UFC to organize MMA event in the Philippines

By Dugout Philippines

The UFC is finally coming to the Philippines!

The world's biggest MMA promotion announced that it will stage a UFC Fight Night event at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 16.

The successful staging of MMA fight cards of other promotions in the Philippines partly led to UFC's move to test the Philippine soil.

“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," said Ken Berger, the executive vice-president and general manager of UFC Asia.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment President Edgar Tenejero added, “We are really excited to have the first UFC event in the Philippines. We are happy to share that this is the only UFC event to take place in South East Asia this year.”

The Mall of Asia Arena has been home to successful MMA events like a number of One FC fight cards and one King of the Cage card.

Tickets will go on sale on March.