May 20, 2025
Road to UFC Season 4: Australia & NZ’s Rising Stars Step into the Global Spotlight
Australia & New Zealand Front and Centre in Road to UFC 2025
The next wave of Oceania MMA talent is about to make its mark on the global stage as Road to UFC Season 4 kicks off this Thursday and Friday (May 22–23, 2025) live from Shanghai. With six fighters from Australia and New Zealand competing across two nights, the event is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal moments for regional prospects chasing UFC contracts.
Road to UFC 2025: When and How to Watch in Australia & NZ
Where to watch: UFC Fight Pass
Dates: Thursday, May 22 & Friday, May 23
Location: UFC Performance Institute, Shanghai
Format: 8 bouts per night – tournament and showcase matchups
Local Start Times
Thursday, May 22
- WA (AWST) – 7:00 PM
- QLD, VIC, NSW (AEST) – 9:00 PM
- NZ (NZST) – 11:00 PM
Friday, May 23
- WA (AWST) – 7:00 PM
- QLD, VIC, NSW (AEST) – 9:00 PM
- NZ (NZST) – 11:00 PM
Full Fight Line-Up: Aussie and Kiwi Contenders
Thursday, May 22 – Episode 1 & 2
- Sebastian Szalay (Australia) vs Baergeng Jieleyisi (China) – 145 lbs Featherweight
- Aaron Tau (New Zealand) vs Rio Tirto (Indonesia) – 125 lbs Flyweight
Friday, May 23 – Episode 3 & 4
- Jack Becker (Australia) vs Park Jae-hyun (South Korea) – 155 lbs Lightweight
- Kitt Campbell (Australia) vs Shogo Sato (Japan) – 170 lbs Welterweight (Non-tournament)
- Dom Mar Fan (Australia) vs Yuji Yannick Ephoeviga (Japan) – 155 lbs Lightweight
- Lawrence Lui (New Zealand) vs Zhang Qinghe (China) – 135 lbs Bantamweight
What’s at Stake: UFC Contracts and Global Recognition
Road to UFC is more than just another fight series—it's a proving ground. The tournament format sees fighters from Asia-Pacific battle it out for a guaranteed UFC contract, while non-tournament bouts offer international exposure on the UFC platform.
For the likes of Jack Becker, who narrowly missed his shot in the past, this season is about redemption. For newcomers like Dom Mar Fan and Seb Szalay, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
“There’s so much talent in this part of the world, and now it’s time we showed it.”
– Dom Mar Fan, ahead of his Road to UFC debut]
Why This Matters for Australian MMA
With more fighters from Australia and New Zealand gaining traction internationally, Road to UFC acts as a crucial pipeline into the world’s biggest MMA promotion. Events like these help strengthen the sport at every level, bringing eyes to local gyms, regional promotions, and the next generation of elite talent.
Don’t Miss It!
Road to UFC Season 4 is set to showcase the hunger, skill, and spirit of the Oceania fight scene. Whether you're in Perth, Sydney, Auckland or anywhere in between, this is your chance to witness the region’s best take their shot.
Watch Live on UFC Fight Pass
