The main card will feature a five-round welterweight bout between two world-class fighters–Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger and former Strikeforce champion Tarec “Sponge” Saffiedine. Ellenberger is #4 in the division, while Belgium-born Saffiedine, is set for his UFC debut in Singapore after posting four straight wins in Strikeforce® to become welterweight champion before the promotion was closed.
The first ever UFC event in Southeast Asia will also showcase the UFC debut performance of long-time Japanese star fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri, riding a five-fight victorious streak, going up against Brazil’s Hacran Dias at featherweight along with a pair of clashes between up-and-coming Japanese and South Koreans: Kiichi Kunimoto vs. Hyun Gyu Lim in a welterweight bout, and Shunichi Shimizu vs. Kyung Ho Kang at bantamweight. Rounding up the card is another UFC debutante Katsunori Kikuno of Japan–also on a five-fight winning streak–taking on Quinn Mulhern at lightweight and other talented MMA fighters from across the continent, with more bouts to be revealed in the coming weeks.
“UFC is excited to have finally landed in Singapore, a growing regional hub for both marquee sporting events and for mixed martial arts,” said Mark Fischer, Managing Director of UFC Asia. “The Singapore government’s vision in this area and support from the likes of the Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Tourism Board and Economic Development Board; as well as partners like Marina Bay Sands encouraged UFC to be the first global sports body to set up its Asian headquarters in Singapore. We know UFC fans across the region have been hoping to see world-class fighters in action and what better way to kick off our series of events in Asia in 2014 than through an event right here at the beautiful Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.”
Equally excited about UFC making its debut in Singapore were Marina Bay Sands’ President and Chief Executive, George Tanasijevich and Singapore Sports Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Lim Teck Yin.
“UFC has been at the forefront of mixed martial arts and Marina Bay Sands is pleased to host the first of its fights in Southeast Asia,” added Mr Tanasijevich. “This is a momentous event for Singapore as such international sporting events make their way to this part of the world. This event is part of our ongoing commitment to making Marina Bay Sands the best business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia.”
Mr Lim said, “We are thrilled that the UFC has chosen Singapore for its first foray into Southeast Asia. This is an excellent opportunity for our sports industry to showcase its capabilities in hosting world class events, and in turn reinforces Singapore’s growing status as a global sports and entertainment destination. With mixed martial arts picking up in Singapore, we hope that more people will embrace the disciplined and healthy lifestyle that the sport demands.”
The Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands has been the venue of choice for several sporting events such as the Z1 Pro-Fencing World Series, which took place in 2010 and 2011, the Indoor Archery World Cup 2011 and the Lotus on Water Cup International Wushu Meet in 2010, showcasing the flexibility of the space.
Tickets for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT SINGAPORE: ELLENBERGER vs. SAFFIEDINE will go on sale to the public on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. and tickets are priced at $688, $488, $288, $188 and $88 (booking fees not included). Tickets can be booked online at www.marinabaysands.com/ticketing, at any Marina Bay Sands box office or any SISTIC outlet. Exciting ticket packages with hotel room and restaurant options are also available via www.marinabaysands.com/packages.
All bouts live and subject to change.
About the Ultimate Fighting Championship® in Asia The UFC opened its first office in Asia in Beijing in the fall of 2010. In August this year, it established its Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore with a market-specific strategy focused on Japan, China, South Korea, Philippines, and other selected locations in Southeast Asia. The company has held three major events in Asia to date, all to sellout crowds, two at Saitama Super Arena in February 2012 and March 2013, and UFC Macao in November 2012. UFC Asia is planning additional live events in 2014 in a half-dozen locations; while expanding its TV programming exposure on major networks across Asia including Fox International Channels in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and most recently Japan. UFC also offers fans around the region localized versions of UFC.com in Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
About Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It features large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants and an outdoor event plaza. Its two theatres showcase a range of leading entertainment performances including world-renowned Broadway shows. Completing the line-up of attractions is ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands which plays host to permanent and marquee exhibitions. For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com
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