The UFC, and The Sydney Morning Herald, confirmed late last night that Etihad Stadium has been booked for UFC 193, which will be one of the biggest combat sports events Australia has ever witnessed.
Finally the UFC is coming to Melbourne in what will be the biggest UFC event EVER!” UFC President Dana White said. “There’s been a lot of talk about Melbourne, title fights and stadium shows. The UFC is doing all three at the Etihad Stadium in front of 70,000 people. Australia has been an amazing market for the UFC and to thank the Aussies for all their support we are bringing the superstar of the welterweight division, UFC World Champion, Robbie Lawler.
– UFC president Dana White via a press release today.
The event will take place following an arduous process to see the cage ban lifted earlier this year and will be the first time an Ultimate Fighting Championship event will be held in Victoria. Despite the UFC having hosted seven live events in Australia since 2010, to more than 85,000 fans, this will be the first time a title fight will be fought on Australian soil in what most expect to be a major boon for Melbourne economy.
As previously reported, by Fight News Australia, UFC 193 will be headlined by defending welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler who will be facing former interim champ Carlos Condit. In the co-main event, fan favourite, Mark Hunt will take on Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva in a clash of the heavyweights, in what is a much anticipated rematch.
The rest of the card is taking shape with a host of local and international talent, including:
Robert Whittaker (14-4) vs Michael Bisping (28-8)
Jake Matthews (9-1) vs Akbarh Arreola (23-9-1)
Kyle Noke (20-7-1) vs Peter Sobotta (15-4-1)
Anthony Perosh (15-9) vs Gian Villante (13-5)
Daniel Kelly (9-1-0) vs Ricardo Abreu (5-2)
Richard Walsh (8-4) vs Steve Kennedy (22-7)
Additional bouts for UFC 193, which takes place on Sunday November 15, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for UFC 193 will go on sale to UFC Fight Club Members on the 14th September with tickets available to the general public on September 21st through Ticket Master.
