Ultimate Fighting Championship bosses are looking at Macau, Singapore and the Philippines as their next ports of call in their battle for global recognition. Reuters are reporting the mixed martial arts brand is excited about the long-term growth in the region and have chosen the casino business hubs of Singapore and Macau for their next Asian ventures.
“We’re in pretty detailed discussions about Macau for this year, though we’re not at a point where he can make a formal announcement,” Fischer told Reuters. “It’s very exciting for us because it’s right on China’s doorstep and that’s a market we want to grow and build long term.”
On the subject of Singapore, Fischer added: “We’re here in Singapore on a fact-finding mission to see the plausibility of making something happen here next year.”
It’s not likely to stop there either; with Fischer admitting the Philippines is “a great market with a strong fight culture, excellent broadcast coverage and a very passionate fan base”. He also added they’d “look very seriously” at bringing an event to the Philippines but only “when the time is right”.
UFC is following a similar path to the casino industry and their move into the Asian market could coincide well with Macau and others starting to focus heavily on integrating entertainment, casinos and leisure. No fights or dates have been confirmed but last month Dana White seemed to suggest the casino business enclave of Macau would host a pay per view at Venetian Macau’s rebranded CotaiArena. The fact White said this suggests the company is deadly serious about the region and expect it to be the first of a number of events to take place.
