The Victorian state Labor party made a promise to lift the ban on the octagon, and now that they have had a successful election campaign, UFC president Dana White has already planned a huge event for November of next year.
This could include two title fights, as White is convinced 50,000 spectators will travel to Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium to witness UFC history.
At the moment it looks like November 15 will be the date to hold UFC 193 at the Etihad, and the hype train has already left off. UFC light heavyweight champion and current number one pound-for-pound fighter Jon ‘Bones’ Jones (20-1), women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey (10-0) and Conor McGregor (16-2) are all in consideration to feature.
Welterweight and Cuban-Australian fighter Hector Lombard (34-1-1, 1 NC) has also already expressed his interest to fight on the card via Twitter, and also mentioned that he would love a fight against UFC superstar Georges St-Pierre (25-2) who has been rumoured to make a return to the octagon some time in 2015.
A massive event in Australia would not only expand the UFC’s international market and increase its financial viability over the Asian-Pacific region, but would also drastically increase the profile of mixed martial arts in this country.
This event, and future events like it, will help current Australian fighters increase their profile and put them on the map on a global scale. It would also serve as motivation for up and coming fighters who wish to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
He would be a huge draw and build up the PPV views for sure!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
People are into different sports, different things. Bit harsh to talk about the evolution of certain people just because you dont like/ agree with a particular sport (if indeed that was what you were implying). As for he second point you make, im not really in much of a position to comment on that. The size of golf in comparison to tennis is news to me- I always thought it was the other way around (government funding probably has got something to do with that). But nonetheless you bring up an interesting point, why do you think tennis is better funded? I honestly prefer golf over tennis but I think tennis is a sport you can 'sell' a lot easier than golf.
H.E. Pennypacker
Guest
What is this Rome 14 AD or Melbourne 2014 AD? We simply have not evolved have we? The ALP should aim to get a USPGA tour event in Melbourne played annually with the top 100 odd players in the world playing. Ridiculous how tennis gets a fortune in funding from the government but hardly anyone plays it by comparison to golf and the sheer size of the golfing economy in this country which gets nothing from the government.
Abbey
Guest
Exciting times for mma in Australia. Would love to see Conor!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
So do I if all goes well!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Yeah he does too, but hey we can dream! I can't wait for this e vent, going to be huge!
David
Guest
Going to be a huge event. I can see big things happening for MMA in this country.
James Bakker
Roar Rookie
It's going to be epic that's for sure! I doubt GSP is going to come out of retirement though. He seems preety content to be away from it all and he really doesn't have anything to prove since he is a certified hall of famer and the greatest WW of all time.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
It would, and a huge opportunity go our home grown lads who get to compete on it.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
You would see me on that flight too!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I would be on first flight down if they get jones
Corey
Guest
Would be an incredible show and huge for MMA in this country. I can't wait.