UFC sets sights on Asia

Source: Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila visit of mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Georges St.-Pierre is part of Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) plan to widen its fan base in Asia and promote the fast-rising sport of MMA.

Mark Fischer, UFC managing director for Asia, said that they are currently studying several options on helping Filipino and other Asian MMA fighters get involved in UFC.

“One of them is certainly taking some of the best [fighters] in bringing them over the [United] States and even maybe having some exchange. The second one would be possibly in the future, establishing some sort of UFC Asia League,” said Fischer.

Another opportunity they are looking into is the establishment of several MMA camps in Asia, which will compete against each other.

“So there’s many interesting possibilities, we’re really just scratching the surface with the sport with the UFC brand here. And we’re very fortunate really and thankful we have partners like ABS-CBN that’s really helping us get off the mark here in the Philippines,” said Fischer.

He added that once they successfully expand the exposure of MMA in Asia, they may be able to hold fights here.

UFC is currently being aired via ABS-CBN’s Balls Channel and Studio 23.

Balls Channel earlier worked on bringing to the country UFC fighters like Filipino-American Brandon Vera and MMA legend Chuck Liddell to promote the UFC brand.

This time around, it is St.-Pierre’s turn to tour Manila to promote MMA.

“He is the most recognizable UFC fighter in the world at this time, and we are very happy that he is here with us to share some time with his Filipino fans,” said Balls Channel head Jojo Neri-Estacio.

Balls Channel is the home of the biggest sporting events in the word. The channel successfully aired all 64 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the French Open, the US Open, The PGA Championship and the UEFA Champions League. This October, Balls will broadcast the full coverage of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

For more UFC action, watch SkyCable TV’s Balls Channel and visit www.abs-cbnNEWS.com/ufc