RUFF hit the scene with a bang – announcing huge sponsorship deals with none other than NIKE and DUCATI.
These announcements turned alot of heads – the youtube promo’s looked pretty damn sweet and the website is a nice layout.
The population of China combined with the heavy emphasis on Martial Arts and traditional forms of combat – should mean that the MMA scene in China is a market just waiting to be tapped.
The UFC sure has shown interest in this market, and as of yet have not laid down any completely manageable plans, on making it work.
RUFF has had 4 events now, they seem professional – with a good atmosphere and plenty of home-grown talent.
On the down side, media and advertising outside of China has been extremely limited (when you compare them to the likes of ONE FC)
RUFF apparently has a policy of using only Chinese passport holders or foreigners with work permits inside China. This is a huge shame as it greatly limits their diversity for fights and fight styles.
Dont get me wrong, there’s a tonne of talent in China, but people generally want to see them pit against fighters from America, Brazil, Japan, Australian etc etc.
I’m not sure if they are content with simply putting on shows that interest local fans, or truly putting on events that excite and capture the eyes of the entire MMA world. Either way im left a little disappointed that with huge sponsors, seemingly big support and decent fighters – the event has yet to take off world-wide.
ROAD FC, Shooto, RUFF and many other of Asia’s MMA organisations could well take a page out of the book of events like Legend FC and even more so ONE FC. Stream your events, have reporters on the spot, market to the western masses!
Ok, enough ranting – here’s the results from RUFF 4 ‘Mongolia’
Wang Guan def. Sandro da Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Irshaad Sayed def. Ayideng Jumayi via submission (rear naked choke), R1 4:40
Arthit Hanchana def. Zhang LiPeng via submission (triangle), R3 2:53
Yuan ChunBo def. Dong YanJun via submission (armbar), R1 2:49
Liu PingYuan def. Yang Liang via submission (armbar), R2 3:03
Shang ZhiFa def. Amu RiJiRiGaLa via submission (rear naked choke), R1 4:35
Liu LianJie def. Wen JunCheng via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Li JiXiang def. Kong HanDong via T.K.O. (punches) R2 1:04
Zhao EriDeMuTu def. Ta Yier via T.K.O. (punches) R2 1:41
I couldn’t find any fight footage but here the pre-fight promo in any case
