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SAN FRANCISCO — The UFC’s long-awaited debut in the Philippines will take place on Saturday, May 16, at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ultimate Fighting Championships officials recently confirmed the long-rumored booking following an earlier report from Combat Press. UFC Fight Night 65 takes place in Manila and airs live in the US on FOX Sports 1one day earlier due to the time difference.
“We are thrilled to be kicking off our Asia event calendar in Manila this year,” executive vice president and general manager of UFC Asia Ken Berger stated: “The UFC has a loyal and passionate fan base in the Philippines, and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best of mixed martial arts to Manila for the first time.”
There are no announced matchups for the event as of yet. Tickets for UFC Fight Night 65 go on sale in March.
The Manila debut is first of what is expected to be three UFC events in Asia this year. Manila will be the only Southeast Asia event in 2015, according to SM Lifestyle Entertainment exec Edgar Tejerero.