Menpora Dito Invites UFC Senior Vice President To Review Indonesia Arena

Photo: Doc. Kemenpora

JAKARTA - Good news for martial arts lovers mixed Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) signal is likely to be realized in Indonesia.

The signal was seen after Monday, August 28, the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora RI) Dito Ariotedjo received Senior Vice President of the UFC, Kevin Chang and Vice President of Operations, Leanne Chu.

After being accepted into his office on the 10th Floor, Kemenpora, Senayan, Jakarta. Menpora Dito, who was accompanied by the Special Staff of the Minister of Youth and Sports for Achievement Improvement and Development of the Ardima Rama Putra Sports Industry together with Kevin Chang, immediately reviewed the Indonesia Arena venue which was planned to be used as the venue for the UFC.

Indonesia's seriousness in organizing the UFC was previously stated by Menpora Dito last June. "God willing. UFC will hold it in Indonesia in early 2024," said Menpora Dito.

UFC already has a good relationship with Indonesia. This was proven by the cooperation between KOBI and One Pride MMA in sending fighters to the Road to UFC. Two Indonesian MMA fighters from One Pride MMA have completed the Road to UFC event.

Last year, there were five Indonesian representatives who competed. However, only one managed to qualify for the UFC contract, namely Jeka Saragih. Mixed martial arts is increasingly popular in Indonesia after Jeka Saragih was selected as the first Indonesian fighter to be signed by the UFC.

Apart from Jeka, there are a number of Indonesian fighters who have participated in the MMA Fight Academy in San Diego, United States.

Among them are Billy Pasulantan, Frans Lincoln, Eperaim Ginting, Ronal Siahaan, Reinaldo Kasibulan, Yoga Prabowo, Rendi Anjar Kusuma, Reza Arianto, Windri Patilima, Suma Prawira, Jon Setiawan Saragih, and Cornellius RJ Aritonang.