The partnership between UFC and the Western Australian Government has paved the way for the return of UFC events to Perth. The much-anticipated UFC 305 is set to take place at the RAC Arena on Sunday, August 18. This marks the third time Perth will host a UFC Pay-Per-View event, following the success of UFC221: Romero vs. Rockhold in February 2018 and the record-breaking UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski in February 2023. The new agreement also includes plans for an additional UFC Fight Night event in Perth, in collaboration with Tourism WA.
Excitement in the Air
“This is a momentous occasion for Perth,” stated UFC CEO Dana White. “After the overwhelming success of UFC 284 in 2023, we are thrilled to bring another blockbuster event to Western Australia. Perth boasts a world-class city with some of the most passionate fight fans I’ve ever seen. UFC 305 promises to be nothing short of incredible.”
UFC 284, held at the RAC Arena, shattered records for revenue and sporting event attendance. The event also set a national arena record for the highest-grossing ticket sales, a record later surpassed by UFC 293 in Sydney. With an estimated $42.8 million in total economic and flow-on benefits, UFC 284 drew over 9,000 international or interstate visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy. The key stakeholders in making this announcement included UFC fighters such as Alex Volkanovski, Jack Della Maddalena, and Steve Erceg, along with UFC executives and members of the Western Australian Government.
Government Support and Enthusiasm
Premier Roger Cook expressed his excitement about the return of UFC to Perth, citing the economic boost and popularity of the sport as major factors. Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. The government officials highlighted the importance of hosting world-class events like UFC 305 in further solidifying Perth’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.
Future Prospects for UFC in Perth
With two major UFC events scheduled in Perth over the next few years, Peter Kloczko, UFC vice president for Australia and New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm for the continued growth of UFC in the region. The partnership with Tourism WA signifies a bright future for UFC in Western Australia, following the successful collaboration for the WWE Elimination Chamber event. Fighter match-ups for UFC 305 are yet to be announced, building anticipation among MMA fans in the region.
Since 2010, UFC has hosted 17 live events in Australia, attracting over 325,000 fans across six major cities. The events have generated a cumulative gross gate of more than $64 million and have had a significant economic impact on the region. The collaboration between UFC and Tourism WA is a testament to the growing popularity of MMA in Australia and the commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.
The partnership between UFC and the Western Australian Government signals a new era for MMA in Perth. With UFC 305 on the horizon, the city is gearing up for another epic showdown of top fighters and thrilling matchups. The enthusiasm and support from government officials, UFC executives, and fans alike highlight the growing significance of UFC events in Western Australia. As UFC continues to expand its presence in the region, Perth solidifies its position as a premier destination for combat sports entertainment.
Leave a Reply