UFC, in collaboration with the Western Australian Government, has officially announced a multiyear partnership that will see the return of the Ultimate Fighting Championship to Perth. The partnership kicks off with UFC 305, scheduled to take place at RAC Arena on Sunday, August 18. This event will mark the third time that Perth hosts a UFC Pay-Per-View event, following the successful UFC221: Romero vs. Rockhold in February 2018, and the record-breaking UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski in February 2023. Additionally, as part of the new agreement, UFC will be working closely with Tourism WA to bring another highly anticipated mixed martial arts (MMA) event to Perth, featuring an exhilarating UFC Fight Night.
Dana White, the CEO of UFC, expressed his excitement about returning to Perth, stating, “Perth, I am so excited to be coming back! After a record-breaking event in 2023, I can’t wait to bring another massive pay-per-view to Western Australia. Perth is a world-class city with some of the most passionate fight fans I’ve ever seen — UFC 305 is going to be incredible!”
The last UFC event in Perth, UFC 284, set records at RAC Arena for revenue and sporting event attendance. The success of UFC 284 was further highlighted by breaking the national arena record for the highest-grossing ticket sales of any event. This record was then overtaken by UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in September. The economic impact of UFC 284 was substantial, with an estimated $42.8 million in total economic and flow-on benefits. The event attracted over 9,000 international or interstate visitors to Perth, showcasing the city’s appeal as a host for major sporting events.
Various notable figures from the MMA world were present at the announcement, including No.1 UFC featherweight and former champion, Alex Volkanovski; No.5 UFC welterweight and Perth native, Jack Della Maddalena; and No.10 UFC flyweight, Steve Erceg, also from Western Australia. The support from key personalities such as these underlined the significance of UFC events in Perth.
Premier Roger Cook of Western Australia emphasized the positive impact of hosting UFC events in Perth, highlighting the economic boost brought by events like UFC 284. The premier described the return of UFC to Perth in 2024 as a significant achievement for the region, building on the success of previous events. Furthermore, deputy premier and tourism minister Rita Saffioti shared her enthusiasm for hosting UFC 305 at RAC Arena, foreseeing another major success for Western Australia’s tourism and hospitality industry. The government officials’ statements further solidified the importance of UFC events in promoting tourism and showcasing Perth as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.
Peter Kloczko, UFC vice president for Australia and New Zealand, expressed his excitement about the upcoming events in Perth. He acknowledged the continued support from the WA Government and Tourism Western Australia in making UFC 305 possible, highlighting the growing popularity of UFC in the region and across the country. Kloczko’s sentiments underscored the positive partnership between UFC and the local authorities, paving the way for more high-caliber MMA events in Perth.
UFC’s presence in Australia dates back to 2010, with 17 live events held across the country. These events, including sold-out shows at prestigious venues such as Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, and Perth Arena, have attracted over 325,000 fans in attendance. Millions of viewers worldwide have tuned in to watch these events on PPV and broadcast television, showcasing the global reach of UFC. The economic impact of UFC events in Australia has been substantial, with cumulative gross gate revenue exceeding $64 million and generating hundreds of millions more in economic benefits. The success of UFC events in Australia has further cemented the country’s reputation as a thriving hub for sports and entertainment.
The announcement of UFC’s partnership with Tourism WA follows the recent success of WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth, demonstrating the region’s appeal as a host for world-class sporting events. The collaboration between UFC and Tourism WA signifies a positive step towards showcasing Perth as a premier destination for MMA enthusiasts and sporting fans alike. UFC’s return to Perth is poised to bring further excitement and economic benefits to the region, solidifying its status as a leading host for top-tier combat sports events.
Overall, UFC’s partnership with the Western Australian Government marks a significant milestone for both the sporting scene in Australia and the local community in Perth. The upcoming UFC 305 event at RAC Arena promises to deliver another unforgettable experience for fight fans in the region. With the continued support of key stakeholders and the enthusiasm of MMA enthusiasts, UFC’s return to Perth is set to elevate the city’s status as a top destination for premier sporting events in the years to come.
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