The Octagon is heading Down Under in late summer, with Sydney, Australia set to host UFC 293 on September 10.
The event was confirmed by UFC president Dana White via press release, with the Las Vegas-based boss happy to be bringing another big event to Australia.
The event is the first UFC show to take place in Sydney since 2017, with UFC 293 set to be the first event in a four-year, multi-event agreement with the New South Wales government, with three pay-per-view shows heading to the Harbour City between 2023 and 2027.
The first show of that trio will take place on September 10, with UFC president White saying, “Australians are some of the most passionate fight fans in the world and we know these Sydney events are going to be massive.
“Sydney was the first Australian city to host a UFC pay-per-view, and we are going to bring incredible events every time we come back over the next four years.”
UFC vice president for Australia and New Zealand, Peter Kloczko, said, “UFC is thrilled to be partnering with the NSW Government to bring the world-famous Octagon back to Australia’s iconic Harbour City, and it all starts with UFC 293 on September 10,” said Kloczko.
“Our events drive strong economic outcomes through industry-high visitation and marketing value by showcasing host cities like Sydney to millions of engaged fans worldwide. This commitment will also provide opportunity for our talented, world-class local athletes of New South Wales to finally compete on home turf, having proudly represented Australia across the globe.”
NSW premier Chris Minns also hailed the deal, saying, “UFC is a massive sport. This is a big win for UFC fans and the state’s economy.
“Thousands of people will fly into our state to see the biggest UFC events in Sydney in more than a decade.
“Some of the best Aussie UFC fighters were born and bred right here in NSW.
“It’s about time that we have a major UFC event back in Sydney, so local fans can watch our home-grown talent.
“We are delivering on another election commitment – one that is a major coup for NSW.”
No bouts have been confirmed for the event, but with a strong Australian and New Zealand contingent on the UFC roster, it’s a fair bet fans will see some familiar faces, with the likes of Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski and New Zealand’s Israel Adesanya currently holding championship gold.