“I think I need to start fighting my age,” admitted Drew Dober ahead of his clash with Manuel Torres at UFC Mexico this March. Despite his efforts to turn around a career on the decline, Dober was steamrolled in under two minutes, knocked out in the very first round by the rising prospect. After the brutal loss, he summed it up with a simple, “Well, that s——.” Now riding a three-fight skid, it seems Dana White is willing to give him one more shot—and rumors suggest his UFC Shanghai opponent may already be set.
In the streets of the UFC, word has been circulating that the promotion might be planning to feature Drew Dober on the UFC Shanghai card. His potential opponent? None other than homegrown Chinese prospect Rongzhu. While official confirmation is still pending, the buzz continues to grow. The news was first reported by the X handle @RealKevinK, a well-known MMA content creator.
If true, this fight could make or break Dober’s career, which is already hanging in the balance due to his recent string of losses. Currently riding a three-fight losing streak against Renato Moicano, Jean Silva, and Manuel Torres, Dober last tasted victory in 2023 with a win over Ricky Glenn at UFC Fight Night: Dawson vs. Green. The American fighter is 1-4 in his last five bouts and is in desperate need of a victory.
Fun fact: Drew Dober fought Islam Makhachev way back in 2021, going nearly all three rounds before being submitted by the Dagestani in the third.
BREAKING NEWS
Per Sources Rongzhu vs Drew Dober Is IN THE WORKS August 23rd at Shanghai Indoor Stadium pic.twitter.com/rzvJFPaRFK
— Kevin (@realkevink) May 23, 2025
On the flip side, Rongzhu’s UFC journey began back in 2021 at UFC 261 against Kazula Vargas. After a tough run and multiple setbacks, he was released from the promotion. Undeterred, he battled his way back through the Road to UFC series and earned a second shot.
Since his return, the Chinese fighter stands at 1-1 and remains determined to prove his worth. And what better test than a showdown with the battle-hardened Drew Dober? Apart from whispers of Dober and Rongzhu’s fight, there’s been no news floating about any other fight. But the UFC Shanghai event is going to be a special one nonetheless… Curious why?
Why is UFC’s comeback to Shanghai special for the promotion?
Dana White and the promotion will return to mainland China this August, as the UFC has announced its comeback on August 23. In addition to UFC Fight Night: Shanghai, the promotion will also host the semifinals of Road to UFC Season 4. This event, Set to take place in the iconic Shanghai Indoor Arena in the vibrant Xuhui District, marks the promotion’s fourth event in mainland China and ninth overall in the Greater China region.
The UFC has partnered up with Shanghai Sports Bureau, Xuhui District Government, Orange Lion Sports (an Alibaba subsidiary), and Migu to make this fight happen. The last time the promotion was in Shanghai was back in 2017 in an event headlined by Michael Bisping and Kelvin Gastelum, which drew a massive 15,000 people to watch the fight.
Speaking to the media, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, Kevin Chang, asserted, “Shanghai holds special significance for UFC, as it hosted our first event in mainland China in 2017, and it’s the home of our UFC Performance Institute and headquarters in Asia. Our Chinese athletes are making a statement in UFC that they are a force to be reckoned with, and we are excited to showcase their talent in the city where it all began.
With more and more Chinese fighters joining their roster, the promotion is clearly aiming to attract a significant audience from China. Given this, what are your thoughts on the buzz surrounding this move? Share your opinion in the comments below!
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