What makes China the next frontier for mixed martial arts growth?

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China is poised to become the next frontier for mixed martial arts growth due to its rapidly expanding market and deep-rooted martial arts heritage.

The United States-based UFC is making a significant investment in China, with plans to open the world's largest MMA training and development base in Shanghai in mid-2019. This facility, named Performance Institute Shanghai, will be three times the size of UFC's Las Vegas institute and will feature two Octagons, a boxing ring, and advanced training equipment, supported by a team of full-time experts. This strategic move underscores the organisation's recognition of China as a top-five market with the potential to surpass the United States in scale.
Significant Investment in Training Infrastructure

UFC's commitment to China is exemplified by a US$13 million (RM54.4 million) investment to establish the Performance Institute Shanghai. This facility is designed to nurture the next generation of Chinese MMA fighters and will serve as UFC's regional headquarters in Asia. The institute's substantial size and comprehensive equipment, including underwater treadmills, indicate a long-term strategy to cultivate local talent and elevate the sport's presence within the country.
Rapid Growth and Market Potential

China has emerged as a crucial market for UFC, with its business metrics placing it among the top five globally. UFC's chief operating officer, Lawrence Epstein, highlighted that while the current UFC roster includes 10 Chinese fighters, the organisation aims to increase this number tenfold. This aspiration reflects the substantial growth trajectory of MMA within China and its potential to become the leading market for the sport.
Influence of Ancient Martial Arts Traditions

The burgeoning popularity of MMA in China is also attributed to the country's rich history of martial arts. Ancient traditions provide a fertile ground for the development and adoption of modern mixed martial arts. This deep cultural connection to combat sports is a key factor driving predictions that China will become the sport's next major frontier, offering a unique blend of historical influence and contemporary athletic development.

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What makes China the next frontier for mixed martial arts growth?

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