Perth is set to become a hub for wrestling and martial arts as the Western Australian Government has announced its commitment to host several UFC and WWE events over the next two years. Following the recent success of major wrestling and fighting events, city officials believe this new agreement will not only solidify Perth’s reputation as the nation’s combat sports capital but also inject significant revenue streams back to the local economy.
The agreement guarantees four additional UFC and WWE events, culminating with a major WWE weekend takeover at RAC Arena later this year. This series will include episodes of Friday Night SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, and one yet-to-be-announced Premium Live Event over the span of three thrilling nights.
Premier Roger Cook expressed enthusiasm about the deal, noting the momentum gained from previous events like UFC 284 and WWE Elimination Chamber, which collectively contributed around $50 million to Western Australia's economy. "The return of UFC and WWE in 2025 is a major coup for Western Australia," he stated, highlighting the significant draw these events create. He anticipates thousands of out-of-state visitors will flock to Perth, reinforcing the region's stature as a vibrant sports hub.
Adding to the excitement is the history of UFC events at RAC Arena. Recently, the UFC 305 marked an astonishing achievement when it attracted over 14,000 spectators, making it the highest-grossing event ever held at the venue, breaking previous records. This positive trend is expected to continue with upcoming UFC events, including two major showcases as part of this collaboration.
Peter Dropick, Executive Vice President and Operations for TKO Holdings, echoed Cook’s sentiments, praising Perth’s dedication to hosting large-scale events. “Perth is a world-class city, home to many passionate UFC and WWE fans, and we’re thrilled to expand this partnership with the WA Government,” he said. He emphasized not only the draw of the events but also the opportunity it presents for the city to be showcased globally. With broadcasts reaching more than one billion households across 170 countries, Perth's image will be firmly established on the international stage.
Prior partnerships have already yielded fruitful results and excited fans, with the previous WWE Elimination Chamber event at Optus Stadium drawing over 52,000 attendees. Such strong turnouts create additional optimism about the upcoming events, as the Western Australian government expects the events to attract visitors from diverse locations seeking premier combat sports entertainment.
Details about the precise dates for these events and information for fans, including ticket sales and bout cards, are forthcoming and will be disclosed as they are finalized. Fans eager for updates can take advantage of early registration opportunities for presales on the respective event websites; WWE fans can visit wwe.com/WWEAustralia2025 for WWE presales, and UFC enthusiasts can check ufc.com/perth for exclusive ticket information.
This blockbuster agreement marks another significant step for Perth's combat sports scene, cementing its position as not only the local favorite for the state but also as one of Australia’s premier destinations for wrestling and martial arts. With the anticipation building for these high-profile events, both fans and local businesses are poised to experience the positive ripple effects due to the expanded partnerships within the region.
All eyes will be on Perth as the city prepares to welcome combat sports fans, adding to its growing list of accolades and experiences linked to major wrestling and fighting events. The excitement around the city’s prospects for the future is palpable, underscoring how sports can unify and invigorate communities.