The UFC has been looking to expand their reach in China, and today they took another step forward by picking up the country’s top bantamweight in Jumabieke Tuerxun. The official announcement was made by the UFC on Chinese social media outlet Weibo, with iJudgeFights providing the first english report on the signing.
“The Wild Wolf” is a former Legend FC champion, and he becomes the second Chinese fighter to be signed by the UFC. He has a background in Sanda and Freestyle wrestling, and is coming off a stint with Chinese promotion, RUFF where he kept his streak and remained unbeaten in 14 professional bouts.
Bieke trains out of arguably the best camp in China in Xian Physical Education University, along side Canadian Vaughn Anderson (16-1) and fellow Chinese star Wang Guan (10-0). He also trained under Pat Healy and Brad Hannah when these Team Quest fighters spent a few weeks conducting a training camp in Xian.
The signing wasn’t all that unexpected as promotions such as the UFC and Bellator have kept an eye out for him for quite some time now. As reported earlier, Bieke had declined a lengthy contract with RUFF which made him a free-agent. That would’ve qualified him for a championship bout with a cash prize of 1 Million RMB (roughly $150,000), and while not many in China would’ve declined such a lucrative deal, it looks like the prospect of fighting for the world’s biggest MMA organization was the more attractive option for this 26-year-old fighter.
No word yet on when he will be making his MMA debut, but stay tuned to Bloody Elbow as the situation develops.
Follow me on twitter — @antontabuena
About the author
