NSW Gov
Sydney will take centre stage in February when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Qudos Bank Arena for UFC 325.
On 1 February, Australian sporting icon, and current and two-time featherweight champion, Alex 'The Great' Volkanovski will defend his title in front of his home fans for the first time in a blockbuster showdown against Diego Lopes. The event is expected to sell out and attract fans from across Australia and around the globe.
The third, massive pay-per-view card secured as part of the Minns Labor Government's multi-event agreement with the UFC comes after the previous two events collectively delivered millions of dollars for the state's visitor economy.
This highly anticipated event will deliver a major boost to the NSW visitor economy - filling hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars, while showcasing Sydney as Australia's premier city for world-class sporting experiences to a vast international audience.
Hosting UFC 325 supports the Minns Labor Government's Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which sets an ambitious goal of $91 billion in visitor expenditure. A key pillar of the strategy is delivering a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives visitation and supports the jobs and businesses that rely on year-round tourism.
The announcement adds to Sydney's stellar line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year's Ashes Test, Sydney Sail GP, AFC Women's Asian Cup, Sydney 500, State of Origin, NRL and NRLW Grand Finals, Rugby League World Cup and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.
Secured by the Minns Labor Government, UFC 325 will showcase Sydney to the sport's global TV audience of millions, reinforcing the city's position as a premier destination for unforgettable sporting experiences.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"I am thrilled to see UFC make its return to Sydney for what is expected to be an incredible sell-out event.
"We are laser focused on ensuring we continue to secure a calendar of exclusive, diverse and unmissable events to boost the state's economy, support local businesses and create more jobs, and that's exactly what these events do.
"And what better city than Sydney for Wollongong local and Australian UFC legend Alex Volkanovski to defend his featherweight title for the first time on Australian soil."
Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"It is incredibly exciting that Sydney will take centre stage next February for this blockbuster event, which will draw thousands of fans from across the world and inject millions into the NSW visitor economy.
"UFC 325 will reaffirm Sydney's position on the world stage as a leading destination for unforgettable, world-class sporting experiences.
"And I know that the whole of NSW will be behind Wollongong's hometown hero Alex Volkanovski!""
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