Gloves off as NSW Premier Chris Minns hammers Opposition Leader Mark Speakman over UFC comments

NSW Premier Chris Minns has been forced to defend bringing two UFC events to Sydney that will deliver $30 million to the state after the Opposition criticised the sport.

Charles Radtke during his fight in Sydney last year and (inset) Mark Speakman (above) and Chris Minns.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has taken a swing at his Liberal rivals over “insulting” statements made about the UFC, with two looming events in Sydney set to deliver the state $30 million in revenue.

After announcing that UFC 312 will be staged at Qudos Bank Arena on February 9 next year – the second of a three-event deal struck between the Minns Government and UFC – NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman slammed the sport as “glorifying violence” and linking it to domestic violence.

“To throw out an entire sport as being too violent is not only insulting to the fans and professional sports champions who have dedicated their lives to the sport, it’s also just wrong,” Mr Minns told The Saturday Telegraph.

Vice President of UFC Australia Peter Kloczko, No.1 UFC featherweight Alexander Volkanovski, Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper announcing Sydney will host UFC 312 in February 2025. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“The truth is, the vast majority of young people’ experience of this sport is positive, requiring hard work and passion.

“This is a massive global sport with huge economic benefits, and we have world champions right here in NSW.

“We want to attract more sporting events to NSW, and back in our young sporting champs who want to do the state proud and inspire the next generation to do the same.”

Mr Speakman described Mr Minns as “tone deaf” and economically irresponsible.

“This is a Premier who can’t read the room and is tone deaf, hosting an event where women’s safety advocates have warned glorifies violence - while households are scrambling just to keep the lights on,” Mr Speakman said.

Mark Speakman. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

He also told 2GB radio on Friday morning: “It’s also sending the wrong message about women’s safety as well. Some of the participants of this have made outrageous statements about violence. It’s really something the government shouldn’t be involved in.”

While Victoria has secured many of the major events that drive tourism revenue, Mr Speakman said NSW should only be bidding for “the right events”.

But UFC 312 is set to deliver the NSW economy more than $15 million, similar to the previous event, UFC 293, that generated $15.3 million.

UFC 293 in Sydney - Israel Adesanya-Sean Strickland fight. Picture: Dean Tirkot

The last UFC event held in Australia, UFC 305 in Perth, delivered the West Australian government an estimated $16 million, with a reported 40 per cent of the live attendees coming from interstate.

Wollongong UFC star Alexander Volkanovski, the former featherweight champion now ranked No.1 for the title, is in line to fight in NSW for the first time since 2017, well before he became a household name in mixed martial arts.

“Last time I fought in Australia, it wasn’t here in my home state, which obviously I’m going to be making sure I fight here next time, or in February,” Volkanovski said.

No.1 UFC featherweight Alexander Volkanovski. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“I plan on doing my part to bring the biggest fight we can here. Fighting for the title, that is what is pretty much promised to me.”

Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Leslie Williams, said women’s groups have warned these events sends dangerous messages about masculinity and violence.

“What kind of message does it send to struggling families when the government’s priority is cage fighting rather than providing cost of living relief in the lead up to Christmas,” Ms Williams said.

Under the previous NSW Liberal government, $70 million was spent on arts and cultural programs, with Opera Australia receiving $3.6 million.