UFC 312: Sydney Set to Host Blockbuster Event Featuring Alexander Volkanovski, Robert Whittaker & More

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is returning to Sydney, Australia, in February 2025 with UFC 312, a massive event that is sure to draw a huge crowd at Qudos Bank Arena. The event will mark the second Pay-Per-View event as part of a four-year, multi-event agreement between the UFC and the NSW Government.

The announcement was made at Hickson Road Reserve in Sydney, Australia, with NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, UFC Vice President Australia and New Zealand, Peter Kloczko and Alex Volkanovski, No. 1 UFC featherweight and former champion, all in attendance.

The event is expected to be a major draw for fans, with a number of top Australian fighters set to compete, including former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, middleweight contender Robert Whittaker, and welterweight prospect Jack Della Maddalena. Volkanovski, a Sydney native, is eager to fight in front of his hometown crowd.

"I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure I am on that card," Volkanovski said. "I’ll be entertaining in Sydney in February, 100%. Whether it’s fighting for the title, interim, lightweight title, I don’t care what it is. If for some reason I can’t get a fight, I’ll entertain on the DJ decks or something. I’ll find a way to do it."

"I’ll be there front and centre. Hopefully fighting and getting my belt back. Really looking forward to it."

"They talk about the numbers. I really do want to play my part in crunching the numbers here in my home state."

Whittaker, who resides just a 45-minute drive from Qudos Bank Arena, is also looking to make a statement in Sydney. He is scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, and a win could put him in line for a title shot against the current middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

Della Maddalena, a rising welterweight star, is also hoping to make a big impact in Sydney. He is coming off a tough loss to Gilbert Burns, but he is expected to be back in the Octagon soon and could be in line for a high-profile fight at UFC 312.

Matchmaker's Delight: Volkanovski vs. Holloway 4?

Volkanovski has been angling for a rematch with Ilia Topuria, but the title shot was instead handed to Max Holloway, a former champion. If Holloway defeats Topuria in their upcoming fight, it could set up a fourth fight between Holloway and Volkanovski. However, Volkanovski may not be fighting for the title at UFC 312, but is eager to fight on home soil.

“If it was guaranteed in Sydney, it would be Ilia, I want that rematch,” Volkanovski told ESPN when asked who he preferred to face for belt. “Who do I think will win [in Abu Dhabi]? Max. Who do I prefer to win because it would be more likely me fighting here? Max.

"I would like to fight both of them for different reasons, right? It’s just Max winning guarantees me more of a chance of fighting here in Sydney; Ilia’s definitely more of a fight I want because I want that win back, but I don’t know if that’s likely anytime soon or in Sydney.

"But money talks, maybe they can get him here. He’s made it clear he wouldn’t fight in Sydney, but the UFC said ‘never count him out, so we’ll see.”

The Middleweight Title Fight: Du Plessis vs. Whittaker 2?

The fight for the middleweight championship could also be a major draw for UFC 312. Du Plessis, who defeated Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, is expected to defend his title in Sydney. However, a rematch against Whittaker could be on the table if Whittaker defeats Chimaev.

The Rise of Aussie MMA

The UFC is a massive global phenomenon, and it is clear that Australia has a thriving MMA scene. The country has produced a number of top fighters, and the fans are passionate and knowledgeable about the sport.

The UFC has been a huge success in Australia, and the NSW Government is confident that UFC 312 will be another massive event.

“Hosting the UFC Octagon puts Sydney on the world stage, demonstrating that we punch above our weight when it comes to hosting blockbuster events,” said John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism.

“When the Octagon comes to town, so do thousands of visitors who stay in our hotels, eat in our cafes and restaurants and visit other attractions.

“Hosting the UFC alongside our calendar of incredible arts and cultural events like Vivid or SXSW Sydney, shows NSW has a diverse world class offering that will continue driving our visitor economy to new heights.”

The UFC has hosted 18 live events in Australia since 2010, including five in Sydney. The events have drawn over 313,000 fans and millions more watching on Pay Per View and broadcast television globally.

UFC 312 is sure to be a memorable event. The UFC is committed to growing its presence in Australia, and the NSW Government is committed to supporting the sport.

The Future of UFC in Australia

The UFC’s return to Sydney is just the beginning of a new era for the sport in Australia. The NSW Government has a four-year agreement with the UFC, which will bring a number of major events to the state.

The UFC is confident that the sport will continue to grow in Australia, and the NSW Government is excited to be a part of that growth.