First UFC Fight Night in Manila set for May 16

PHOTO by BONG LOZADA/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will be hosting its first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event as the premier mixed martial arts promotion company brings UFC Fight Night to SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 16.

Kenneth Berger, UFC Asia executive vice president and general manager, said he is excited to bring a major card of the league to the Philippines as Filipinos clearly show their love and knowledge for the sport.

“Everything I heard is that the Filipino crowd is the most knowledgeable in Asia,” Berger said during a press conference Thursday in the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Berger added that UFC Fight Night Manila is the first UFC event in Southeast Asia for 2015.

“Really looking forward to this, the Philippines is a key market for us,” Berger said. “Everything is set up for access here.”

The UFC card was slated in Manila after two years of talks and preparations between Berger and SM Lifestyle Entertainment’s Edgar Tejerero.

Berger said no fight card has been released yet as matchmakers are still on the process of finalizing the competitors, especially for an event that would draw American audiences to watch the event in the morning.

Tickets would go on sale in March.