The UFC may be the leader in the mixed martial arts industry, but they aren’t the only one. Although not operating at the same level as Dana White‘s promotion, the PFL still exists as an alternative option for the fans. However, the promotion, led by Donn Davis, has its fair share of woes, but their dream of expanding globally remains undeterred. But guess what? The UFC CEO is kind of doing the same thing.
There are a lot of Chinese fighters on the UFC roster at the moment, with Zhang Weili arguably being the best among the bunch. So, it only makes sense for the promotion to hold an event in China, but it hasn’t been as often as their visits to other countries. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC had been to China on six different occasions with exciting fight cards. But after the world resumed, it wasn’t until last year that they returned to China, especially Macau SAR, with Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo as the headliners of the event.
Well, the good news for Chinese fans is that Dana White is bringing the UFC back to mainland China with UFC Shanghai. Moreover, there’s another treat for the fans because the day before the Fight Night on 23rd August, the promotion will also be hosting Road to UFC Season 4. So, PFL might need to watch out as they will be making their way to South Africa on July 19 before White’s Shanghai event.
| The UFC return to Shanghai, China with a Fight Night event on August 23rd. pic.twitter.com/A8jzRNaVZM
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) May 22, 2025
Meanwhile, there’s no report on what the fight card will look like for UFC Shanghai, as we’ll have to wait for further developments on this front. On the other hand, the return to China is not the only move Dana White’s been making. In fact, the UFC is about to make its debut in a new country, which is a neighbouring country of Russia.
Dana White is bringing UFC to Azerbaijan
Just like UFC visited Saudi Arabia for the first time last June, this June, they will be making their way to another new territory, Azerbaijan. The event, a Fight Night, is scheduled to take place on June 21, with light heavyweight stars Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. headlining the card. There are a few more exciting fights announced for the event, as this event became possible due to Dana White and Co.’s new financial strategies, site fees.
During an interview, TKO Group president Mark Shapiro revealed that the company’s received millions of dollars in site fees just to take events to various countries. Azerbaijan did the same thing to make UFC Baku happen. “We’re very excited about our event coming up in June 25 in Baku… Look, if we are going to bring the show to town, we are looking for an incentive package. It doesn’t always have to be straight cash, but it has to be a significant incentive package. Because once again, demand is outstripping supply,” Shapiro stated.
Well, it will be interesting to see if PFL can give Dana White a run for his money with their plans of expanding into other markets. They do have a big name in Francis Ngannou as the chairman of their African expansion and it will all start with their event in South Africa. In the meantime, share with us your thoughts on UFC’s return to mainland China in the comments down below.
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