Australia has become a hotbed for UFC events, hosting some of the most memorable fights in MMA history. From record-breaking crowds to unforgettable upsets, the country has played a crucial role in the global expansion of the UFC. Here's a look at the top 5 UFC events in Australia that left an indelible mark on the sport... According to Chat GPT so y'know.. Relax.....
1. UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm (2015) – Melbourne
- Date: November 15, 2015
- Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
- Attendance: 56,214 (UFC record at the time)
UFC 193 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic events in MMA history. The night saw Ronda Rousey, the then-undefeated Women’s Bantamweight Champion, suffer a shocking knockout loss to Holly Holm. Holm’s head-kick KO in the second round stunned the world and is still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in combat sports history.
This event not only showcased the growing popularity of women’s MMA but also proved that Australia was ready to host mega UFC events. With over 56,000 fans packed into Marvel Stadium, UFC 193 cemented itself as a milestone in the sport.
2. UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya (2019) – Melbourne
- Date: October 6, 2019
- Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
- Attendance: 57,127 (current UFC attendance record)
UFC 243 set a new attendance record, with over 57,000 fans witnessing Israel Adesanya’s meteoric rise to stardom. The event featured a blockbuster Middleweight Championship bout between Adesanya and Australia’s own Robert Whittaker.
Adesanya delivered a masterclass, finishing Whittaker with a second-round knockout to unify the Middleweight title. The energy in Marvel Stadium was electric, solidifying Adesanya’s place as a global superstar while showcasing the immense passion of Australian MMA fans.
3. UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski (2023) – Perth
- Date: February 12, 2023
- Venue: RAC Arena, Perth
- Attendance: 14,187
UFC 284 brought Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning Featherweight Champion, into the spotlight as he aimed to become a two-division champion by challenging Lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev. The five-round war had fans on the edge of their seats, with Volkanovski pushing Makhachev to his limits.
Although Volkanovski fell short in a razor-thin decision, his valiant effort earned global praise. The event also featured a strong undercard, highlighting Australia’s growing talent pool. UFC 284 further reinforced Perth as a prime destination for world-class MMA events.
4. UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez (2010) – Sydney
- Date: February 21, 2010
- Venue: Acer Arena, Sydney
- Attendance: 17,431
As the first-ever UFC event held in Australia, UFC 110 holds a special place in the sport’s history. The card featured MMA legends like Cain Velasquez, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Wanderlei Silva. Velasquez’s first-round TKO victory over Nogueira was a statement win that propelled him toward the Heavyweight title.
This event marked the UFC’s successful debut Down Under, paving the way for future events and establishing a loyal Australian fan base.
5. UFC 221: Romero vs. Rockhold (2018) – Perth
- Date: February 11, 2018
- Venue: RAC Arena, Perth
- Attendance: 12,437
UFC 221 was headlined by a thrilling Middleweight bout between Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold. Despite missing weight, Romero delivered a brutal third-round knockout that left fans in awe. The event also featured rising Australian stars, further showcasing the depth of local talent.
As the UFC’s debut event in Western Australia, UFC 221 proved that Perth was a viable market for major MMA shows. It set the stage for future events like UFC 284 and UFC 305.
Honorable Mentions
- UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch (2011) – A closely contested fight between two legends.
- UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland (2023) – A shocking upset where Sean Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya in Sydney.
Why Australia Is a Key Market for the UFC
Australia’s passion for MMA has grown exponentially over the years, with fans flocking to events in record numbers. The country’s enthusiastic support and its ability to produce world-class fighters like Robert Whittaker and Alexander Volkanovski make it a vital market for the UFC.
With events like UFC 193 and UFC 243 breaking attendance records, Australia has firmly established itself as a cornerstone for the UFC’s global expansion. As the sport continues to grow, fans can expect even more unforgettable nights of action Down Under.
Conclusion
From Ronda Rousey’s shocking loss at UFC 193 to the epic clash between Volkanovski and Makhachev at UFC 284, Australia has been the stage for some of the UFC’s greatest moments. These events highlight not only the country’s love for MMA but also its ability to deliver world-class fight nights. As the UFC continues to expand its footprint, Australia will undoubtedly remain a key destination for unforgettable MMA action.
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