THE UFC will host its first ever show in the Philippines next summer, according to reports.

A number of established stars – including UFC light heavyweight Brandon Vera – are tipped to feature on the fight card, along with rising Filipino MMA fighters.

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta has focused on expanding the world’s leading mixed martial arts brand since taking up his position earlier this year.

And the company’s successful relationship with ABS-CBN – the largest TV network in the Philippines – has seen the fight promotion flourish in the country.

Fertitta said: “It will be a combination of bringing over some of our stars and then hopefully having some local Filipino fighters, and maybe bringing in some of the guys from Japan and South Korea.

Last month, the UFC held an open workout in the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, which attracted over 4000 fans.

And former heavyweight star Vera was amazed by the reaction of the fans in the Philippines – which boasts a population of over 91 million people.

Vera told MMA Junkie: "When we did an open workout there, about 4,000 people showed up to watch me train at a mall.

“The UFC were amazed at how many people showed up. They arranged the workout in 10 days, and that is how many people showed up.

“You can take it from there. I speak the language. I get along with everybody well. I understand the people in the Philippines and their struggles.

“I just keep it real with them, and they love the fact that I'm down. No matter how big or small I am in the fight, I'm going to be fighting, and they love it.

“I feed off the energy, so it's kind of like a cyclical thing with them. As much as they give me, I give it back to them."