The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to deepen its presence in Asia through a newly signed multi-year collaboration with Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort. The agreement will see three UFC Fight Night events take place at the resort’s flagship Galaxy Arena between 2026 and 2029, marking a significant step in Macau’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for global sporting spectacles.
Long-Term Commitment to Macau
As stated by UFC, the deal builds on the successful staging of UFC Fight Night: Yan vs Figueiredo in November 2024, a sell-out that drew 12,000 fans. That event, coupled with UFC Fight Night: Walker vs Zhang in Shanghai just last week, underlined the strong appetite for live MMA in the region.
Macau has hosted UFC cards before, including shows in 2012 and 2014 at the Venetian Arena. However, the upcoming four-year arrangement represents the promotion’s deepest commitment yet to the city, with all fights scheduled for the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena, Macau’s largest indoor venue.
Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia, noted that the deal secures the organization’s long-term stake in the region. “In 2026, Macau will be the launchpad to UFC in Asia. Building on our wildly successful 2024 event, this long-term partnership with Galaxy Macau solidifies our commitment to this region and its passionate fans. Together, we will deliver the pinnacle of mixed martial arts and cultivate the next generation of talent, right here from the heart of Macau.”
As part of the first event week in 2026, Galaxy Arena will also host the opening round of Road to UFC Season Five. This talent-development series, designed to spotlight emerging fighters from across Asia-Pacific, follows a win-to-advance structure that awards winners with UFC contracts.
The program has already produced 18 athletes from the region, including Chinese fighters Zhang Mingyang, Shi Ming, and Wang Cong. Its inclusion in the partnership ensures that the Macau events will not only showcase established stars but also provide opportunities for rising talent to reach the sport’s highest stage.
Voices from UFC and Galaxy Macau
UFC President and CEO Dana White praised the agreement, highlighting his recent visit to China. “I’ve just returned from China and everything about it was incredible – the culture, the people and the athletes. This new partnership with Galaxy Macau couldn’t come at a better time. It’s great for fight fans in China and massive for the sport.”
Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau for Galaxy Entertainment Group, echoed this sentiment, tying the deal to broader development efforts: “We’re thrilled to partner with UFC, the world’s largest MMA promotion entity, to bring world-class fight nights to Galaxy Arena. This partnership reflects our ongoing support for the Macao SAR Government’s vision to integrate tourism and sports. MMA fans in Macau will now have the chance to witness top-tier action right here at home, while visitors can enjoy the city’s rich culture, cuisine, and entertainment alongside unforgettable fight experiences.”
Galaxy Arena, part of the Galaxy International Convention Center and adjacent to the Andaz Macau hotel, provides a state-of-the-art venue with unobstructed sightlines and advanced production capabilities. Each UFC Fight Night will be surrounded by week-long festivities, including fan interactions, fighter appearances, and community activities that will create a festival-like environment in and around the resort.
Galaxy Entertainment Group emphasized that the collaboration will contribute to Macau’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy by drawing tourists through marquee international events. With UFC boasting more than 700 million fans globally, 318 million social media followers, and broadcasts reaching over 950 million households in 210 countries, the exposure generated by these events is expected to significantly raise Macau’s profile as a sports and tourism destination.
