WITH the huge fan base of mixed-martial arts (MMA) here in the Philippines, the biggest MMA promotion in the world, the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), has finally taken notice and will hold its first ever MMA event in the country this year.

The UFC announced yesterday in their website that the leading MMA promotional outfit will stage its inaugural MMA event in the Philippines, the UFC Fight Night Manila, on May 16 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Manila.

“We are thrilled to be kicking off our Asia event calendar in Manila this year. 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 (MMA) to Manila for the first time. We have found a great event partner in SM Lifestyle Entertainment inc. and are excited that the SM Mall of Asia Arena will be home to a historic UFC event that fans will remember for years to come,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager of UFC Asia Ken Berger.

This will be the UFC’s first event in Asia for this year. The UFC has over 40 Asian MMA fighters that are currently under contract.

Some of the homegrown Filipino fighters that have fought in the Octagon as of late are Dave Galera, Mark Edivva and Roldan Sangchaan.

The card of the UFC Fight Night Manila is yet to be announced.

The UFC has followed ONE FC’s lead, which has already staged a lot of MMA events here in the Philippines.

ONE FC, the premier Asian MMA organization, will be having an event on April 24, which will be headlined by ONE FC welterweight champion Ben Askren vs. Luis Santos also at the SM MOA Arena.