Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium to host UFC 243

July 25, 2019

Having hosted the record-breaking UFC 193 in 2015, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium is to host UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya in October.

The former Etihad Stadium hosted what was then the largest crowd in UFC history for the UFC 193 bout between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm in 2015, which drew a capacity crowd of 56,214.

With the Victorian Government committed to bring major events to the state, its lifting of a ban on mixed martial arts fighting in octagonal enclosures in 2015 paved the way for the unprecedented crowd that poured through Marvel Stadium gates for UFC 193: Rousey vs Holm.

Demand for the sport remains strong, with UFC 234: Adesanya vs Silva staged at Rod Laver Arena earlier this year selling out in just eight minutes.

The UFC 243 card on Sunday 6th October will feature Australian fighter Robert Whittaker taking on New Zealander Israel Adesanya to unify the UFC world middleweight title.

Promoters aim to make UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya the largest combat sports event to have taken place on Australian soil, with fans to flock to Melbourne from around Australia and overseas and millions more expected to watch the fight across the globe.

Commenting on the event, Victorian acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Jaclyn Symes stated “our major events calendar is the best and most diverse in the country and Melbourne may well break another attendance record at Marvel Stadium come October.”

“Massive drawcards like UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya attract people from around Australia and the world, supporting thousands of jobs for the state.”

UFC President Dana White commented “to have two champions in Whittaker and Adesanya fighting for the title on home turf is huge – this will be the biggest fight in Australian history.”

Image: The former Etihad Stadium hosting the UFC 193 bout between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm in 2015.

9th July 2019 - Latest UFC Gym opens in Western Sydney’s Bankstown Sports Club

28th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium roof to remain closed for AFL games

16th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium to review ‘intimidating’ AFL security measures

6th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium becomes first Australian venue awarded Global Venue of the Year

5th June 2019 - Marvel Stadium, the SCG and Nick Sautner announced winners at TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2019

30th May 2019 - Marvel Stadium congratulates Eray Saban on VMA Young Achiever of the Year Award

2nd May 2019 - Quayclean prepares for AFL triple header at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

11th January 2019 - UFC to open US$13 million Performance Institute in Shanghai

17th June 2018 - World Wrestling Entertainment to stage MCG Super Show-Down in October

2nd May 2018 - World Wrestling Entertainment stages first event in Saudi Arabia

1st November 2017 - Perth Arena to host UFC championship fight event

30th March 2016 - Etihad Stadium’s UFC193 event delivers economic impact of $102 million

16th November 2015 - UFC193 event delivers record $9.5 million ticket sales at Etihad Stadium

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.