Shanghai braces for Spider's bite

SHANGHAI - The Spider is coming to Shanghai, looking to extend his worldwide web of dominance.

UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, on Thursday announced its inaugural live event on the Chinese mainland will be headlined by all-time great Anderson 'The Spider' Silva, who will face middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum in the Octagon main event at Mercedes-Benz Arena on Nov 25.

Brazil's Silva (38-4) holds the longest title streak in UFC history, which ended in 2013 after 2,457 days, with 16 consecutive wins and 10 title defenses.

Renowned for his ability to seamlessly switch his stance from orthodox to southpaw, Silva is a well-rounded fighter whose striking ability is considered one of the best in MMA history.

His accuracy, KO power and superb counterstriking is the result of technical precision, a tremendous jab and brilliant movement.

No 8-ranked Gastelum (14-3), who fights out of Yuma, Arizona, has faced some of MMA's toughest athletes. This match-up will test his skills to the limit as he brings his knockout power to Asia for the first time.

Facing a legend of the sport, Gastelum has already made a name for himself in the stacked middleweight division with victories over former UFC champions Vitor Belfort and Johny Hendricks.

Having won three out of his past four bouts and with five previous first-round finishes to his name, Gastelum will be looking to make a statement in Shanghai.

A stylish victory against a legend of the sport will add even more excitement to an already historic night.

In the weeks leading up to the event, top UFC athletes will be on hand to meet and interact with fans in Shanghai and other Chinese cities.

Earlier this month the UFC brought featherweight champion Max Holloway to Shanghai to meet fans and lead a series of MMA seminars.

Next month, the UFC will be hosting more activities with athletes who will be featured on the November card.

Fans can also expect a packed schedule during fight week in late November, with appearances from guest fighters, community events and exclusive VIP experiences.

Tickets for UFC Fight Night Shanghai are available through Damai.cn.