UFC to return to Docklands

Marvel Stadium is set to see record crowds flock to Docklands, with the return of the blockbuster Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on October 6.

In 2015, Marvel Stadium hosted the largest crowd in UFC history for the UFC 193 blockbuster bout between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm, which drew a capacity crowd of 56,214, with many more gathering outside the stadium to watch on big screens.

Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Jaclyn Symes welcomed the return of UFC to Docklands last month, with UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya to take place on Sunday, October 6.

The contest will see Australian fighter Robert Whittaker take on New Zealander Israel Adesanya to unify the UFC world middleweight title.

The event will provide a significant boost to local businesses in Docklands and Victoria, with UFC193: Rousey v Holm generating more than $100 million for the state’s economy, with 40 per cent of tickets sold to fans from outside Victoria.

The UFC made $9.5 million on ticket sales alone in 2015, which remains a house record for Marvel Stadium.