May 28, 2025
Why UFC Perth Is Vital to the Rise of Australian MMA
Perth might be one of the most isolated cities in the world, but when it comes to combat sports, it has become one of the most important fight cities on the planet. Over the past decade, UFC Perth has grown from a novelty stopover to a key destination on the UFC’s international calendar. It’s not just the sell-out crowds and the buzzing atmosphere, it’s the calibre of Australian UFC fighters being produced, the passionate local fan base, and the undeniable ripple effect across the national MMA scene.
A Launchpad for Australian UFC Fighters
For many fighters across the country, getting a slot on a UFC Perth card means more than just a home crowd. It’s an opportunity to perform in front of family, friends, and the international fight community.
Jack Della Maddalena, Perth’s own, has become one of the hottest names in the UFC welterweight division. Representing Scrappy MMA, Jack made a huge statement at UFC 284 in Perth with a stunning first-round finish, confirming what local fans already knew — that Australian fighters are world-class. You can listen to Jack’s story and rise through the ranks on the Australian MMA Podcast on YouTube.
Even Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound standout, shares a strong connection with the west coast. While based in New South Wales, his training camps and appearances in Perth have made the city a regular feature in his championship journey.
These moments help put Perth on the global fight map and give aspiring Aussie fighters something tangible to chase. When your hero fights in your hometown, that dream feels just a bit closer.
Perth’s Global Impact on UFC
The UFC only returns to cities that deliver. And Perth has delivered every time.
UFC 221 in 2018 was the first pay-per-view UFC event in Western Australia. With legends like Mark Hunt on the card and fans packing out RAC Arena, the event was a statement. It proved Perth was ready for the global spotlight.
That spotlight only got brighter at UFC 284, when Perth hosted the mega-fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Not only was it a superfight between two champions, it became one of the biggest events in Australian combat sports history. The buzz in the arena, the viewership numbers, and the impact on the local economy all confirmed what fans already knew — Perth is a fight town.
Hear what went down and get behind-the-scenes commentary from UFC 284 by tuning in to Australian MMA on YouTube, which covers every major moment in Aussie MMA.
Combat Sports Capital of the West
It’s not just the UFC that sees Perth as a key city. WWE has also announced plans to bring one of its pay-per-view spectacles to town, further boosting Perth’s status as a global sports entertainment destination.
Even Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is reportedly eyeing Perth for its Australian debut. Known for its gritty, no-gloves style, BKFC’s interest in Perth shows that the city isn’t just riding the MMA wave, it’s helping lead it.
The Local Effect
Every time a major event comes to RAC Arena, the benefits flow beyond just the fighters. Local gyms see new memberships spike, promotions like Eternal MMA and Hex Fight Series gain attention, and the broader sporting community rallies behind Australian MMA. More media outlets are covering fighters, more sponsors are jumping on board, and more content creators — like those behind the Australian MMA Podcast — are helping tell the stories that matter.
Young fighters from Bunbury to Joondalup now have clearer pathways. They’re not dreaming about Vegas, they’re focused on Perth, knowing that this city can launch a career just as easily.
What’s Next for UFC Perth?
Another UFC event is rumoured to be heading to Perth soon, and if the past few shows are anything to go by, it will once again deliver world-class fights and breakout moments. Fighters, fans, and industry leaders now see Perth as more than a destination — it’s a home for MMA.
As the UFC continues to expand its international reach, Perth’s importance will only grow. With the rise of more Australian UFC fighters, an exploding local MMA scene, and content creators lhelping drive fan engagement, Perth has become an essential part of the UFC's global game plan. helping drive fan engagement, Perth has become an essential part of the UFC's global game plan.
