UFC Australia: News Media Man

UFC Australia: News

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Interviews: UFC 293. Q&A. Sydney, Australia

UFC.com

Websites

UFC 395
http://ufc.com/event/ufc-305

UFC Official Website
http://ufc.com

UFC YouTube
http://youtube.com/UFC

UFC 305: Pre-Fight Press Conference - August 16, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UAcpAT4Y_kQ&t=4s

Perth, Western Australia

Highlights of the verbal fight between champion Dricus "Stillnocks" du Plessis and challenger Israel Izzy "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya included:

“Are you taking the servants with you when you’re going back [to Africa with the belt]? Are you taking the servants with you if you’re going back?” du Plessis asked.

“What the *uck are you even on about?” Adesanya

“My God, it’s obviously a see and tell. We can see that. What do you mean? You’re saying that I made [the build-up to UFC 305] about culture?” du Plessis

“Bro, shut the f*ck up. You don’t even know anything about my story. You have no idea who the f*ck I am” Adesanya

“I don’t care about your story. I don’t care about your story” du Plessis

“Listen, my father and myself had to wake up at 4 a.m. and clean the banks while my mom studies to be a nurse” Izzy

“You don’t know my f*cking story. Don’t f*cking speak on my story if you don’t know my story. I will show you who you are Sunday, so right now shut the f*ck up.” Izzy

“I can’t wait” du Plessis

“You’re talking about, I made [the build-up] about anything else than being the first residing African champ. I am the first.” du Plessis

“You did, you did” Izzy

“You couldn’t even respect the people of the land. [At the] welcome to the country [ceremony to start UFC 305 fight week], you were the one not even doing anything. I took my shoes off to connect with the people, with the [natives]. What did you do? You stand there and try to mean mug me. Are you stupid?” Izzy

“My man” du Plessis

“I’m not your f*cking man, bitch” Izzy

“You sound silly, you sound like a f*cking pig. I will slay you, Porky Pig” Izzy

“You can’t change the facts” du Plessis

“You can’t change those facts.” du Plessis

“He touched a subject there because I do this for my family” Adesanya

“I do this for the people I love, and I will fight for you forever, I swear to God. Watch this. Look, I am a *ucking human being, I am a man. I can cry and whoop your ass at the same time.

“First time I fought here [in Perth], [UFC] 221, that was February 2018, that was me making me dreams come true. Sunday, I’m going to f*cking kill your dreams, bitch. I’m going to f*cking kill your dreams” Izzy

“There’s no place for odds in the octagon, I have to say that, but obviously the oddsmakers are seeing what I know and seeing what the people are seeing” du Plessis

“It’s pretty evident. Like I said, the man needs to be motivated to be back here. He had an emotional feel to be back here. He said it, he’s motivated by me, that’s what gets him back in here” du Plessis

“I’m motivated by greatness. I’m not motivated by some person. If he doesn’t step in, I’ll be the same motivated fighter that steps in there, and anybody can see this. Once again, it’s about how bad do you want it. It’s pretty evident how bad I want this. And on Sunday morning, there will be no doubt of how bad I wanted this.” du Plessis

Media Continued ...

“I'm going to fight for the fight of my life this time" Izzy

Many fans chant "Izzy, Izzy, Izzy"

de Plessis raises UFC title and points to it, getting a mixed reaction. Different vibe to the Sydney 293 when "Tarzan" Strickland had the vast majority of fans in his corner.

Fun fact gonzo style: In pro wrestling its not quite "Dirty" Dick Murdoch (or Colonel DeBeers) vs The Junk Yard Dog aka JYD, but you get the idea. Real heat here fans! Fans will be wide awake for this one, but can one fighter put the other to sleep?!

Videos

UFC 305 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 1 https://youtube.com/watch?v=bdtnIiKbMoA

Champ Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya train for their title bout; Steve Erceg walks his dog; Jairzinho Rozenstruik eats after training; Tai Tuivasa arrives in Perth; Carlos Prates hangs out with his mom; Kai Kara-France gets a haircut. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 305 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 2 https://youtube.com/watch?v=SExOmPWMKVU

Champ Dricus Du Plessis shows off his belt; The City Kickboxing team trains together; Mateusz Gamrot explores nature; Carlos Prates gets one last cardio session in at home; Steve Erceg hangs out with his parents; Tai Tuivasa has a hard workout session. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 305 Countdown - Du Plessis vs Adesanya https://youtube.com/watch?v=wLfQ6aHxELY

The UFC 305 Countdown previews the intense rivalry between UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former champ Israel Adesanya ahead of their historic main event, which marks the first time two African-born fighters battle for a UFC title. Don't miss the main card action that kicks off at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on Saturday August 17. (Credit: UFC)

"Cultural roots run deep for the people of Africa. The pride of the nation is echoed through its sporting culture. In recent years the rise of African fighters in the UFC has been clear and present" ... Narrator

UFC To Return To Perth, Western Australia

UFC 305 Down Under, RAC Arena - August 18, 2024

The drawing power is a proven commodity

UFC 284 generated est $42.8 million into the economy

Card still being put together

UFC boss Dana White: "Never been busier"

Dricus Du Plessis and Israel "Izzy" Adesanya - UFC Middleweight champ almost certain to appear

Robert "The Reaper" Whittaker keen to appear

Whittaker booked for UFC Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (UFC on ABC) - Kingdom Arena vs Khamzat Chimaev - June 22, 2024

Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) vs Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC)

Sean Strickland enjoys somewhat a love/hate relationship with Australia; Fans love him, some politicians not so much, as per Canada

WA local fighters Steve Erceg and Jack Della Maddalena strong chances to appear on card

WA premier Roger Cook praised the UFC’s return to his State as “a major coup” following the “roaring success” of UFC 284, which injected an estimated $42.8 million into the economy.

“UFC has proven to be a huge drawcard with a dedicated fan base, and we expect to see thousands of out-of-state visitors travel to Perth to attend this blockbuster,” he said.

Peter Kloczko, UFC Vice President Australia and New Zealand added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Perth for two exciting UFC events over the next few years.

“UFC in this region goes from strength to strength; from our amazing roster of talent to record-breaking events across the country, it’s only getting better.”

UFC 305 to deliver knockout success for Western Australia

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will return to Perth later this year to deliver another knockout success for Western Australia's tourism industry.

* Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Perth after breaking records in 2023
* UFC 305 the only UFC pay-per-view event scheduled for Australia in 2024
* Directly follows Wallabies vs Springboks in a blockbuster weekend of winter sport
* Expected to bring in thousands of out-of-state visitors and millions of dollars for the local economy
* Supported by the Cook Government

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will return to Perth later this year to deliver another knockout success for Western Australia's tourism industry.

On the back of the highly successful WWE Elimination Chamber event, the Cook Government has secured UFC 305 at RAC Arena on Sunday, 18 August 2024 - creating a winter blockbuster of international sport, taking place the day after the Wallabies vs Springboks Rugby Championship Test Match at Optus Stadium.

UFC 305 will be the UFC's only Pay-Per-View (PPV) event in Australia in 2024, and broadcast live to more than 975 million TV households in more than more than 170 countries and territories in 50 different languages.

The return of UFC comes after the Perth-hosted UFC 284: MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI event set a series of records in 2023 - including the highest grossing ticket revenue for any arena in Australia, beating The Rolling Stones' 2014 record in Sydney.

UFC 284 injected a massive $16 million into the WA economy and attracted more than 8,400 out-of-state visitors, with more than 33,300 hotel room nights booked over the event weekend in February 2023.

The 2024 event is expected to draw similar crowds, as the sport's dedicated fans flock to Perth once again to watch some of MMA's top athletes go head-to-head in the octagon.

The arrival of UFC 305 in Perth will include several fan-favourite events over three days including the ceremonial weigh-in for the athletes at RAC Arena, and an open athlete workout at Elizabeth Quay.

Find out more and register for ticket presales at www.ufc.com/perth

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"We said we'd make Perth one of the events capitals of South East Asia, and my Government is delivering - from Coldplay to WWE to the Matildas and more.

"The return of UFC to Perth in 2024 is a major coup for Western Australia, following the roaring success of UFC 284 that injected $16 million into our economy last year.

"UFC has proven to be a huge drawcard with a dedicated fan base, and we expect to see thousands of out-of-state visitors travel to Perth to attend this blockbuster.

"Major events mean more local jobs, more spending for local business, and millions of eyes around the globe fixed on WA - providing a long-term tourism boost."

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

"We are very excited to once again be hosting UFC at RAC Arena, and we expect UFC 305 to be another major success for WA's tourism and hospitality industry.

"We know that sporting fans love to come to Perth to witness a high-stakes sporting event in one of our world-class sporting venues, and the weekend of 17-18 August will be a knockout with UFC 305 at RAC Arena and the Wallabies vs Springboks at Optus Stadium.

"Securing and hosting major events builds WA's reputation as the fastest growing events destination in the South East Asian region, and the swift return of UFC to Perth proves that strategy is working."

News

Volk rejects US star’s bold claim; ‘sharks lurking’ as Whittaker eyes emerging star — The Takedown - March 16th, 2023

Fox Sports Australia’s Nick Walshaw brings you all the latest news and views in Aussie and global MMA in his weekly column, The Takedown.

Alexander Volkanovski has rejected suggestions he should have to fight a lightweight contender like Justin Gaethje before making a second run at ‘champ champ’ glory – describing the assertion as “silly”.

Australia’s featherweight king has also welcomed suggestions he will headline International Fight Week alongside American superstar Jon Jones, saying: “The two best fighters battling for that pound for pound title on the same night … I think that’s cool.”.

As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia earlier this week, Volkanovski is being targeted to defend his featherweight strap against Mexican Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July before then rematching lightweight champ Islam Makhachev late in the year.

However speaking with The Takedown this week, American fight favourite Gaethje suggested the Sydneysider should have to face somebody in the division’s top five being another crack (see column item below).

“And I’ll be happy to oblige,” revealed Gaethje, who faces hyped Muay Thai fighter Rafael Fiziev in a guaranteed UFC 286 blockbuster this Sunday.

To which Volkanovski says what?

“That might be a better conversation to have if Justin wins this weekend,” he said. “Because Rafa is no joke.

“But I love the fact there are big fights for me at lightweight.

“I can also see why other people are upset. Or not upset, but starting conversations around what should happen.

“Although I don’t think Justin is really in a position to be upset.

“He’s had plenty of chances.

“It would be silly for him to say it isn’t fair.”

Volkanovski has also welcomed the chance to co-headline International Fight Week alongside Jones, who recently enjoyed a spectacular return from three years off to claim the UFC heavyweight title.

So dominant was Jones against Frenchman Ciryl Gane, he also went to top spot on the UFC pound for pound list – taking that crown Volkanovski has retained for months, and even after losing to Makhachev.

Yet with debate still swirling over which man deserves top billing, Volkanovski said he liked the idea of that conversation continuing on the showcase July card.

Asked about co-headlining with Jones, he said: “That’s something I’m OK with”.

And as for suggestions he should still be No. 1 P4P?

“Jones has said that himself,” the Aussie shrugged.

“He thinks it should go to the most active. Which makes sense.

“I think it’s cool that a lot of people still see me as pound for pound No.1.”

WHITTAKER’S BIG FEAR SET TO LEAD HIM TO SOUTH AFRICAN STAR

Robert Whittaker fears waiting for a middleweight title shot could keep him “sat up in the bleachers” until 2024, which is why Australia’s first UFC champion is now considering a fight with South African Dricus du Plessis.

While stressing he remains focused on UFC gold, Whittaker has told The Takedown one of few fights making sense right now – outside a title shot, anyway – is du Plessis, that Pretoria native undefeated through all five Octagon appearances.

Earlier this month, the 29-year-old knocked out Derek Brunson at UFC 285 to move into No. 6 in the rankings – and somewhere closer to Whittaker’s orbit.

Another option for the Sydney father-of-four is to wait out next month’s title rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya at UFC 287.

“But if I wait out a title shot, I could be waiting until next year,” Whittaker conceded.

“Which is absurd.

“Right now, I’m still sat up in the bleachers. Dunno why?

“But ideally, I’m looking to get back into the Octagon by May. And I want a middleweight ranked close to me.”

So who?

“Maybe du Plessis,” Whittaker continued. “Fighting guys ranked (lower) in the top 10, it’s unmotivating.

“And, yes, I’ve done it plenty of times.

“But a fight against the top guys is more motivating because they’re all the sharks lurking for that next title shot.

“And I’m one of them.”

Thoughts on du Plessis?

“Tough dude. Well rounded,” he said.

“Just doesn’t bring anything I haven’t seen before. But he’s that type of fighter who, if you underestimate him, if you don’t take him seriously, he will beat you.”

AMERICAN RIVAL MAKES MAJOR VOLK CLAIM

Justin Gaethje says Alexander Volkanovski cannot be catapulted straight back into a second UFC lightweight title fight, with the No. 3 contender stressing: “Fight one of us before trying to take our title shots.”

Set to face Rafael Fiziev in a guaranteed barnburner at UFC 286 this Sunday, Gaethje sits among a fearsome list of lightweights currently jockeying for their own shot at champion Islam Makhachev.

While the American favourite praised Volkanovski’s efforts against Makhachev at UFC 284 last month, he said the featherweight champ should now have to fight one of the lightweight division’s contenders to earn the rematch.

“And after I win this weekend I’ll be happy to oblige,” Gaethje said.

“Then the winner of that can go fight for the title.

“Because I don’t think Volkanovski can just go jump right back in there.

“He got his shot.

“And given his dominance at featherweight, I don’t think there was anything wrong with that.

“But if he wants to do it again … yeah, you better fight one of us before trying to take our title shots.”

Asked his thoughts on the UFC featherweight king, Gaethje added: “Great fighter.

“Extremely fast, and extremely strong from the looks.

“But I’d be willing to roll the dice against any of these guys.”

Australia’s Casey O’Neill has revealed she broke “every single timeline the doctors gave us” to be back fighting at UFC 286 this Sunday – roughly 10 months after tearing her ACL.

The 25-year-old Gold Coast product, who now lives and trains out of Las Vegas, has also promised to not only fight at least three times this year, but potentially get herself into a No. 1 contender fight before Christmas.

Dubbed King Casey, O’Neill will make her hyped return to the Octagon this Sunday when she faces No. 8 flyweight contender Jennifer Maia at UFC 286 in London.

It will be the Australian’s first fight since undergoing knee surgery and, as part of an intense recovery process, then doing two sessions every day at the UFC Performance Institute.

“Which is an amazing resource,” she said. “The UFC had me in there twice a day and we broke every single timeline the doctors gave us.

“Originally, they said I’d be back training without limitation at nine months.

“But I was back by six months.

“And now I’ll fight this weekend at 10 months.

“So I’m proud of myself, proud of them (UFC PI staff) and grateful for them. It wasn’t easy on any of us but we made it through and I’m now a much better athlete.”

Currently ranked No. 12, O’Neill wants Maia to be the first of three fights in 2023 – and by next year be challenging for that UFC gold belt Alexa Grasso has only just taken from Valentina Shevchenko.

“For this fight I just have to go out there and be myself,” said the fighter who, originally from Scotland, will have her mum, grandfather, aunts and cousins cheering her on in the London crowd.

“I just need to be who I am in training.

“Because when I’m that person, I’m a better fighter (than Maia) every day of the week.

“I win everywhere.

“I’d then like to fight two more times this year, with a No. 1 contender fight eventually being best case scenario.

“Obviously with the title changing hands, things are all up in the air. There’s stuff to be figured out.

“So for me it’s about fighting the best in the division and finishing them.”

BOBBY KNUCKLES, VOLK REVEAL PICKS FOR UFC 286

Rob Whittaker and Alexander Volkanovski are split in their picks for Sunday’s welterweight title showdown between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman at UFC 286.

While Volk is taking Edwards, the defending champ, in the hyped trilogy bout, Whittaker is going for Usman, the former champ who had their second fight seemingly won before being kayoed late.

Back in 2015, Usman also won the pair’s first fight over three rounds via unanimous decision.

“So If I’m betting my house – Usman,” Whittaker said.

Yet Volkanovski said he “feels like the Rocky Balboa story” of Edwards continues in London.

*click here for full article and multimedia

'An absolute home run': UFC boss praises Australia, Whittaker - 11th June 2018

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CHICAGO -- The immediate future of their luckless middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is up in the air, but it won't prevent the UFC continuing its love affair with Australia later this year.

Whittaker went to a Chicago hospital with what UFC boss Dana White said was a broken hand, which the Sydneysider injured in his rematch with Yoel Romero on Sunday (AEST).

White said a decision about Whittaker's next bout wouldn't be made until it was clear how long he'd be out of action for. But White stressed UFC was still committed to staging a second promotion in Australia this year, even if the most obvious local drawcard in Whittaker doesn't recover in time.

He said the promotion in Perth last February, which Whittaker had been forced to withdraw from, had been a huge success.

"We'll be back to Australia (this year)," said White, though no city or date has been locked in yet.

"Every time we go to Australia the fans are incredible, the fights are always good for some reason.

"That place is just an absolute home run for us."

White praised Whittaker for the toughness and durability he showed against Romero, who pummelled him in the final round.

The hand problem was the latest in a series of injury and illness issues which have plagued Whittaker and not allowed him to fight since his first win over Romero 11 months ago.

"This kid (Whittaker) can't catch a break," White said.

(AAP)