UFC announces first Philippine event on May 16

Published January 29, 2015 2:57pm

SM Lifestyle and Entertainment president Edgar Tejerero, SM Investments Corp. first executive vice president, and Kenneth Berger, executive vice president and general manager of UFC Asia, announce the MMA outfit's first Philippine event. JM Siasat

The world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization officially announced its arrival in the Philippines as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will hold its first promotion on May 16 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

"We are thrilled to be kicking off our Asia series in Manila this year," said Kenneth Berger, UFC's executive vice president and general manager for Asia, in a news conference on Thursday announcing the hosting of UFC Fight Night Manila.

"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 to Manila for the first time."

After grueling rounds of negotiations that started in 2013, Filipino fight fans will finally get to witness live UFC action that they've been longing for since 2011.

While other details of the event such as the fight card and ticket prizes are still being sorted out, the UFC has promised to live up to its name and deliver an exciting event come fight night. — JST, GMA News

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