UFC, in collaboration with the Western Australian Government, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking multiyear partnership that will see the return of two sensational UFC events to Perth. The first event, UFC 305, is scheduled to take place at the illustrious RAC Arena on Sunday, August 18. Perth has been fortunate to host two previous UFC Pay-Per-View events, including the successful UFC221: Romero vs. Rockhold in February 2018 and the record-breaking UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski in February 2023.
A Record-Breaking History
UFC 284 made history at the RAC Arena by setting new records for revenue and sporting event attendance. The event also surpassed the national arena record for the highest-grossing ticket sales of any event, a record later beaten by UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in September. The enormous success of UFC 284 resulted in an estimated $42.8 million in total economic benefits for Perth, with over 9,000 international or interstate visitors flocking to the city for the thrilling event.
The recent announcement regarding the future UFC events in Perth was made at Scrappy MMA in Willetton, with notable figures such as Alex Volkanovski, Jack Della Maddalena, Steve Erceg, Peter Kloczko, premier Roger Cook, and deputy premier Rita Saffioti in attendance. Premier Roger Cook expressed his excitement about the return of UFC to Perth, acknowledging the tremendous economic boost and the city’s growing reputation for hosting world-class sporting events.
Tourism Boost and Fanfare
Deputy premier and tourism minister Rita Saffioti highlighted the significant impact of UFC events on Western Australia’s tourism and hospitality industry. The upcoming UFC 305 is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Perth, coinciding with other sporting events in the region to create an action-packed weekend for sports enthusiasts. Peter Kloczko, UFC’s vice president for Australia and New Zealand, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the WA Government and Tourism Western Australia in making UFC 305 and future events possible in Perth.
Since 2010, UFC has held 17 live events in Australia, attracting over 325,000 fans and millions more watching globally on PPV and broadcast television. The six host cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, have generated a combined gross gate exceeding $64 million and substantial economic impact. The partnership between UFC and Tourism WA follows the recent triumph of WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth, facilitated by Tourism WA, showcasing the region’s ability to host world-class sporting and entertainment events.
Overall, the return of UFC to Perth signifies a new chapter in the partnership between UFC and the Western Australian Government, promising thrilling events, economic growth, and unforgettable experiences for fans and visitors alike. With UFC 305 and future events on the horizon, Perth is poised to solidify its position as a premier destination for top-tier MMA action.
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