The UFC is returning to Sydney for the first time in over six years.
In a blockbuster announcement that is set to take place today, the UFC has confirmed UFC 293 will take place in Sydney on September 10. The world’s largest mixed martial arts organisation also delivered an unprecedented promise in conjunction with the NSW government, committing to three colossal pay-per-view events between now and 2027.
While no fights have been officially announced for the card, New Zealand superstar Israel Adesanya is expected to headline.
That gives Sydney’s Robert Whittaker only nine weeks to prepare should he get past South African born fighter Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Earlier this year UFC President Dana White confirmed the winner would get a title shot against Adesanya with the fight expected to take place in Sydney.
UFC featherweight King Alex Volkanovski will headline that card against interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez meaning Australia’s two top fighters will need to come out of their respective contests relatively unscathed and eager to get straight back into camp if they want to fight back on home soil.
Sydney has hosted five UFC events in the past including the first ever event in Australia back in 2010 when Cain Velasquez took on Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.
