Dinki-di: UFC considers Australia venue for February 2010
by Jesse Holland on Apr 23, 2009 1:13 PM EDT
Email
Print
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its quest for world domination with a recent inquiry into the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, according to Fighter's Only Magazine.
The venue, formerly known as the Sydney SuperDome, can seat up to 21,000 fans and was recently contacted by Zuffa about a possible date in February 2010, according to the report.
The arena is probably best known for playing host to gymnastics and basketball for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games as well as its frequent WWE wrestling shows.
UFC President Dana White talked about Australia as a possible destination as recently as last week when he appeared on Toronto's am640 to hype UFC 97.
Despite the recent mention, the Outback has long been on Zuffa's radar. White first commented on a possible trip down under to the boys at knucklepit.com during a media conference for UFC 84 back in early 2008.
Here's a snip:
We’re focused on Germany, the Philippines and Australia next. The Philippines is definitely happening. We’re working on that right now. Australia and Germany, those three are right now.
Germany is already set for June 13 from Lanxess Arena in Cologne while a Philippines show is in the works. If an Australian event comes to fruition by next year, one has to imagine that Brazil and Japan are not far behind.
And that's a good thing.
43 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
This means that there are going to be fewer shows in the US, and ticket prices will probably be higher :(
…. MMA WORLD CUP!
by RyGuy on Apr 23, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah whats wrong with shows in the U.S. ????
First they were mainly in Vegas , then all over the nation, then UK…now WORLDWIDE!
by robbyc on Apr 23, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
The UFC has had a lot of success with their shows in the UK and Canada, so it seems logical to continue to push their brand.
I’d be curious to see how they are received in Japan. I’m sure the UFC lost some potential Japanese fans when they botched the Pride deal
by RealDrew on Apr 23, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep!Mac,sponsored by Subaru,and the special guess commentator of the night will be Paul Hogan!!!
by Alpha Male 360 on Apr 23, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
yep, and Mike Schiavello from K-1 will also be there commentating for this event..
by RoB on Apr 23, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s a bit of a tosser though isn’t he?
by Johnny Farnham on Apr 23, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Aus has a strong Muay Thai scene and a shit load of sports fans, i will be there with my fucked up crew of numpties booing at ground fighting, whistling at the ring card bitches and slapping Danas shiney dome. Yeeeeehaaaa. I hope Fedors in the ufc by then so i can fuck him up back stage Yeeeeehhhhhhaaaa! Im so fucking excited this is coming to Syd, hope brocks on the card, saw him at a wrestling show I was working security at in Belfast. Im 6’4 320 lbs and he makes me look like a pussy, one of the few guys i found intimidating being in the same room as. I think i have a crush.
by PanicZoo on Apr 24, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Have a look at the fighters mate, most are international these days … you yanks have had it long enough (not to mention will always get to have the biggest cards.
I can not wait.
by DownUnder on Apr 23, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
SO Better people around the world will get 2 enjoy the ufc live OUTSIDE OF THE U.S
by dingo on Apr 23, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Cool Arena!..
why would there by higher ticket prices?
maybe in America, but not in all other countries..
by RoB on Apr 23, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
there be* ..
I’m looking forward to UFC coming more into Europe..
by RoB on Apr 23, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m saying that since more events would take place out of the United States now, since there are fewer shows in the US, the demand is going to be higher leading to higher ticket prices. But its def a great idea from the UFC.
by RyGuy on Apr 23, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
don’t think the demand would be high at all in Europe, but def in America..
by RoB on Apr 23, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
EXACTLY, the more money they rake in world wide the more shows I expect to see. Keep the gravy train rolling…
by O damn he got caught on Apr 23, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
ill definatley go to this one if it goes through. would be my first chance to attend a ufc cos their always on the other side of the world!
by markg on Apr 23, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions
up and up and up the ufc goes! however, i do think the ufc should make their way back to montreal fairly shortly after the last shitty show. montreal is a sure sell out every time.
by MDR on Apr 23, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions
oh hells yes. i live in perth which is the other side of the country… but thats a heck of alot closer to sydney than the US or UK. i would be there in a heartbeat. hope it happens!
by eightyproof on Apr 23, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions
Maybe they will bring back the king of rock and rumble to get beat up by sum one else on his home turf.
by Winner by Strikes!! on Apr 23, 2009 3:01 PM EDT reply actions
Australia is a sick place and would probably have some great fans in the crowd if the UFC had an event
by ShitleTot.com on Apr 23, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions
I’m Australian…. and if this happens, I’ll probably blow my load. Love it!
by Nick on Apr 23, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions
does anyone know why dana isnt doing shows in japan? it only seems logical since they have a fanbase for mma already.
by COR on Apr 23, 2009 5:45 PM EDT reply actions
For all those who are wondering, MMA is HUGE over here. I will be first in line to get a ticket. F*********CK, finally …. awesome.
by DownUnder on Apr 23, 2009 5:54 PM EDT reply actions
Don’t lie. MMA is not “huge” over here. People know what the UFC is, but it is definitely not huge.
by thecolourofsleep on Apr 24, 2009 3:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Just because UFC hasn’t held an event in Australia doesn’t mean it doesn’t hold huge interest among Australians. Wouldn’t surprise me to see a sellout crowd fill Acer Arena for this.
by JP on May 23, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
OH MY GOD!!!!
Finally i’m there with bells on baby. Can’t wait front row center thats me i dont care if it costs 10x more. Finally the real deal coming to oz. Seriously got wowzers in my trousers. Soooo hyped about it, also it would cost more simply because of the exchange rate our dollar down here is about 70cents to the American dollar.
by Marty on Apr 23, 2009 5:56 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, I’m actually really excited about this. I live in Sydney and the UFC is coming to me. WOOT.
That being said…
They’re dreaming if they think the UFC is big enough down under to fill a 21000 seat arena.
by Tim on Apr 23, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions
right after Australian Open too.. never are they going to make 21000!
by RoB on Apr 23, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll definitely go. I couldn’t blow an opportunity like that. Pity everything always has to go to damn Sydney, but then again here in Melbourne cagefighting is still banned. Stupid bureaucrats and politicians. How ignorant. The Bob Reilly factor spreads worldwide like a disease.
But it’s pretty simple, that disease is just called Ignorance.
by Johnny Farnham on Apr 23, 2009 8:34 PM EDT reply actions
When Dana and Co. start holding UFC matches in Haiti or Colombia then I’ll be impressed. Christ, Mexico is right next door to the those guys but of course it’s easier to fly up to Canada or over to Europe for an MMA event.
And I know the Fertittas claim Mexico’s on their radar but I’ll believe it when I see it.
by Track 7 on Apr 23, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions
Why would they want to put on events in those 3rd world shitholes.
by PanicZoo on Apr 24, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep!Don’t get me wrong ,I would love to go see a UFC event in Mexico,Haiti,columbia or even in Brazil,but let’s be realistic.All theses places have tremendous problem with security,famine,and poverty.Only a few of really privilege people,could be able to afford these events.That’s just doesn’t make sense business wise to try to build that market.Maybe the,only place thinkable to go,would be Mexico.But lately with all that cartel violence going on.I truly,doubt that would be possible to be considered.
by Alpha Male 360 on Apr 24, 2009 6:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I will attending for sure. I will not be not parting with my money to fly to vegas to watch another UFC. People will come from all around Australia to see this. I would put money on it being sold out it this does indeed happen.
by Mitchell_PA99 on Apr 23, 2009 10:15 PM EDT reply actions
its not globalization.its recession..its more expensive to put a fight in the u.s than in the philippines.what theyll do is put 4 ufc fighters 2bouts as headliners and the rest of the card would be local fighters..smart business move especially since stations casinos would fold by May…
dont think too big about this move because the WWE has ten times more international tour..in fact theyve been to the philippines about 4 times already…Dana is exaggerating once again!
by tearer on Apr 24, 2009 12:15 AM EDT reply actions
to gauge the ufc’s success globally is not thru once a year promotion in a country like australia(of course it would be soooo huge)but to promote in every other country at least 4 times a year otherwise its just a product of a 15 year old sport coming for the first time in the said country….
by tearer on Apr 24, 2009 12:17 AM EDT reply actions
I’m from Oz and a HUGE MMA fan and i am so totally pumped about this news. One of the things on my “bucket list” is to see a UFC and, though i live near Melbourne, i would DEFINITELY make the trip to Sydney
by savman on Apr 24, 2009 5:33 AM EDT reply actions
F*** YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
UFC COMIN DOWN UNDAAA BABBAYYYYY!!!!!!
by rhys on Apr 24, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions
omfg this is the news i been waiting for, im on the otherside of australia to sydney but u best believe im already savin for my ticket heheheh, been watchin it on tv long enough, bring on the live action!!!
by taboogirl on Oct 14, 2009 4:19 AM EDT reply actions
ok people just dont get dissapointed when they dont come remember back in 2007. Even though im pumped for it to come here i am being realistic and not holdng my breath. To get the market here they will need to bring better fights here. I’m hoping that they dont stack it with local fighters if they do i can see local fights for half the price in sydney.
by DOuche on Oct 29, 2009 2:29 AM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
