Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium to host UFC 243

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.