UFC signs Sasha Palatnikov, first fighter out of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is officially on the UFC map.

Sasha Palatnikov, who was born and raised in Hong Kong, has signed a multifight deal with the UFC. Palatnikov (5-2) took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the news.

“Incredibly happy to announce that I have signed a multi-fight contract with the @ufc!!! I am beyond excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to be the first Hong Kong representative to fly the flag in that cage!
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None of this would be possible without the guidance from @bigwoodmma702 @syndicatemma my management team @rubyse @dannyrube for making this all happen! @primetimeperformance1 has brought so much to my game & I can’t wait for what the future holds love you guys! Everyone that has helped me through this journey my teammates and training partners all over the world I appreciate you!”

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Incredibly happy to announce that I have signed a multi-fight contract with the @ufc!!! I am beyond excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to be the first Hong Kong representative to fly the flag in that cage! ——————————————— None of this would be possible without the guidance from @bigwoodmma702 @syndicatemma my management team @rubyse @dannyrube for making this all happen! @primetimeperformance1 has brought so much to my game & I can’t wait for what the future holds love you guys!Everyone that has helped me through this journey my teammates and training partners all over the world I appreciate you! ———————————————————————————My fiancé @mauvkla for being my push day in & day out helping me stay accountable everyday. I love you so much mon coeur ———————————————— #ufc #contract #secured #letsgo #goals #wecoming #ruby #rubyse #mma #fighter #life #fight #fightnight #athlete #sponsored #timetowork #ko #comingsoon #enjoythejourney #followmyjourney #travel #lasvegas #hongkong #usa #korean #announcement #debut #blessed #excited #oss

A post shared by Sasha Palatnikov 白蓮花 (@sashapalatnikovmma) on Nov 4, 2020 at 8:21pm PST

Currently training in Las Vegas out of Syndicate MMA under head coach John Wood, Palatinov is coming off a first-round finish of Paulo Henrique at UAE Warriors 13 in September. Palatinov is also a former AFC middleweight champion, becoming the first Hong Kong-born fighter to win a world title in MMA.