Melbourne may soon host a major UFC event as the organisation prepares to sign a landmark partnership deal with Victoria. Crown will announce a groundbreaking partnership with UFC, making its Melbourne headquarters an official fan zone and entertainment hub.
Melbourne holds the top two attendance records for UFC events, and the sport's Australian chief indicated the city is poised for a return. Sydney and Western Australia have recently secured UFC events and long-term deals, overshadowing Melbourne.
Melbourne last hosted a UFC event in 2019, drawing a record crowd of 57,127 at Docklands stadium for Whittaker vs. Adesanya. UFC Vice President Peter Kloczko hinted at potential events in Melbourne for 2025 or 2026, highlighting the city’s capability to stage both small and large-scale events.
The new three-year deal will make Crown's Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth locations official "UFC Watch Party and After Party" venues, offering premium ticketing, hospitality, and VIP experiences. The Southbank precinct will become Victoria's official UFC fan hotel, featuring screenings of global pay-per-view fights and appearances by athletes and ambassadors.
Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers called the partnership a significant collaboration that will enhance guest experiences and boost Australia’s tourism industry.
UFC 193 in 2015 generated over $100 million in tourism revenue for Melbourne, and UFC 234 attracted 15,238 attendees at Rod Laver Arena in 2019. This year, Tourism WA announced a multi-year partnership with UFC, with Perth set to host two major events, including UFC 305 on August 18.
- Mitchell Tinley
