MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will serve as the reggional hub when the Ultimate Fighting Championship pursues its globalization next year.

Appearing in a press conference held at the ABS-CBN Monday, American billionaire and UFC co-founder Lorenzo Fertitta bared that the world’s premier fight outfit intends to bring its action to Manila in May next year.

“It’s almost 100 percent sure that we’ll be bringing the UFC to Manila in summer,” said Fertitta, who was accompanied by UFC living legend Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. "We love the fans here and we intend to make it big, with as many stars as possible."

Fertitta, whose fortune is estimated by Forbes Magazine at $1.3 billion, arrived with Liddell on board his private jet on Sunday morning to discuss details of UFC’s intrusion into Southeast Asia with top honchos of ABS-CBN, which broadcasts the UFC through cable sports channel Balls and Studio 23.

Fertitta said the UFC will also expand to Europe by way of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Denmark.