Sydney will host a series of multi-million dollar events through a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation.
NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the $16 million partnership on Thursday, saying three UFC Pay Per View events would take place in Sydney over the next four years, starting with the UFC 293 on September 10.
The events would bring the most competitive mixed martial arts athletes in the world to Sydney and showcase the Harbour City to millions of international viewers and visitors, he said.
Mr Minns described the deal as “a major coup for the people of NSW” and delivered on an election commitment.
“We continue securing a calendar of exclusive, diverse and unmissable events to boost our visitor economy, support local businesses and create more jobs, and that’s exactly what these UFC events will do.”
It is anticipated the UFC Pay Per View events will attract tens of thousands of international and domestic tourists and inject tens of millions of dollars into the NSW visitor economy.
It would benefit hundreds of businesses and jobs across the NSW events sector, along with hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourism attractions, the premier said.
UFC 293 will mark the franchise’s return to Sydney for the first time since 2017 and will be the first mega Pay Per View event to be held in the city since 2011.
UFC 284 hosted earlier this year in Perth saw a record 68 per cent of ticket buyers travel from interstate or overseas, injecting millions into the local economy.
Pay Per View events are able to be viewed by more than 900 million TV households via 50 major sports broadcasters in 170 countries.
There are now more than 700 million UFC fans across the globe, including a combined 233 million followers across UFC’s social media channels.
In Australia and New Zealand combined, UFC has more than 4.3 million fans and six million social media followers.
UFC’s popularity has been soaring globally since Sydney hosted its first event, UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez at Qudos Bank Arena in 2010.
The UFC 293 Main Event and Fight Card will be announced later.
UFC Vice President Australia and New Zealand Peter Kloczko says UFC events “are the pinnacle of sports and entertainment”.
“Nothing compares to the UFC live event experience, which we are thrilled to be bringing to Sydney over the next four years,” he said.
“UFC events have massive local appeal with fans in all parts of Australia, while remaining relevant to a global audience of millions.”
Australian Associated Press