UFC Sydney returns in 2027: Who could feature on the card?

The UFC is returning to Sydney on 7 February 2027 for a Fight Night event, and Australian MMA host Mitchell Tinley has shared his early predictions for who could appear on the card. No bouts have been announced in the transcript, but Tinley expects the event to feature several fighters with ties to Sydney and Australia.

In the video, Tinley runs through his wishlist and guesses, including Quillan Salkilld as a possible headliner, and Robert Whittaker and Tai Tuivasa as potential additions. Those names are speculation, not confirmed bookings. Watch it here.

What is confirmed for UFC Sydney?

The transcript says the event will take place at Afterpay Arena, formerly Qudos Bank Arena, in partnership with the NSW Government and Destination NSW. It will be the first UFC Fight Night in Sydney since 2017, according to the announcement discussed in the video.

The date is Sunday, 7 February 2027. The next UFC card in Sydney will follow UFC 325, which took place at Qudos Bank Arena on 31 January 2026. The UFC’s official event page lists UFC 325 as a Sydney event.

Tinley’s early card predictions

Tinley suggests Salkilld could headline the Sydney Fight Night, while also floating a possible appearance from Whittaker. He says Tuivasa could be included, though he also speculates that the heavyweight might take another fight elsewhere first. None of these possibilities has been confirmed.

The host also mentions George Mangos, Dan Hooker, Brando Peričić and other Australian names while working through possible match-ups. He predicts the card could lean heavily towards Sydney-based fighters, but stresses that he is going off “vibes” rather than inside information.

Tinley also expects a Road to UFC tournament to take place in November and wonders whether Eternal MMA could feature around the Sydney event. Those are his expectations, not confirmed parts of the UFC programme.

The date, broadcast timing and fan wishlist

The announcement places the event on a Sunday. Tinley suggests the timing may suit the UFC’s broadcast audience, but the transcript does not include an official explanation for the choice of date.

The confirmed card remains to be announced. Tinley asks viewers to share which fighters they want to see in Sydney and who they think will make the line-up.

Who do you want on the UFC Sydney card? Watch the full update and add your picks in the comments.

‍