UFC Formally Launches UFCJapan.jp

From a press release in my inbox. This isn't major news, but still a noteworthy effort on the part of Zuffa to further promote the UFC brand of MMA in the Far East and sink their tentacles deeper into the Japanese market.  Beyond that, take from this what you will:

In a move to bring the UFC^® experience one step closer for mixed martial arts fans in Japan, The Ultimate Fighting Championship® officially launched the first Japanese-language UFC web and mobile sites.

Japanese fight fans can now access UFC via the new and only UFC branded Japanese PC and mobile sites across all three major carriers’ 3G networks in Japan.

The UFC Official Mobile sites will offer the latest news and enhanced content of the UFC to 3G network users of all three major mobile carriers – NTT Docomo, KDDI and Softbank in Japan. Content such as breaking news, fight previews, video interviews, photos and editorial columns will be offered on a daily basis.

Japanese fighter Yoshihiro Akiyama is the latest addition to the UFC, with his debut fight taking place at the historic UFC 100 event Saturday, July 11 in Las Vegas. In addition to Akiyama, UFC has a steady stream of talent coming out of Japan including Yushin Okami, Yoshiyuki Yoshida and Caol Uno.

And who did the UFC partner with to complete and launch this effort? Sports Marketing Japan:

About Sports Marketing Japan:

Sports Marketing Japan operates and manages new media businesses in Japan, including mobile and PC sites for the NBA, NFL, WWE, Wimbledon, Australian Open Tennis, US Open Tennis, US LPGA, PGA Tour and Series A Soccer.