UFC’s Ultimate Fighting Column: Blockbuster fight set for Melbourne’s Eithad Stadium if Vic Labor wins vote

UFC superstars Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey, even Conor McGregor will all form part of an Australian “hit list” should the Victorian Labor Government be voted into power this weekend.

UFC superstars Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey, even Conor McGregor will all form part of an Australian “hit list” should the Victorian Labor Government be voted into power this weekend.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal UFC officials are planning a blockbuster title fight for over 50,000 fans at Etihad Stadium in November — pending the results of Saturday’s tight Victorian State election.

UFC Australia boss Tom Wright last night described the ballot, which will see the Octagon ban lifted with a Labor win, as arguably the most significant moment in Australia’s Mixed Martial Arts history.

“There’s no doubting the result of the Victorian state election is a significant moment for MMA in Australia,” Wright said. “Its result can potentially shape the immediate future of the sport not only in Victoria, but the entire country.

“The UFC has experienced amazing success so far in Australia, but for the fastest growing sport in the world to take place in Melbourne, it would be pretty special.”

While Mixed Martial Arts is not banned in Victoria, the eight-sided cage used by the UFC has been outlawed since 2008.

Ronda Rousey will for part of the ‘hit list’

Should the shadow Labor government win power, however, that ruling will be overturned.

Already UFC president Dana White has confirmed a blockbuster Pay-Per-View event for Melbourne should his company be allowed in.

Indeed, had Mark Hunt won the interim heavyweight strap against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 180, a world title showdown with Cain Velasquez would have been the main event.

But with Hunt beat, The Daily Telegraph understands the UFC will ‘thank’ Melbourne by bringing another title bout to Etihad Stadium — with superstars like Jones, Rousey and McGregor all in the mix to headline before a crowd of 53,000.

Andrews talks about defeat

AUSSIE middleweight Dylan Andrews has finally opened up on the heartache of knocking himself out at the recent UFC Sydney event, revealing: “I’ve watched the tape 1000 times looking for answers”.

Currently in New Zealand conducting MMA seminars, Andrews told The Daily Telegraph how he had no memory of anything after attempting a take-down on American Sam Alvey.

The Gold Coast fighter also revealed how UFC Australia boss Tom Wright had spoken with him after the fight, insisting the bizarre finish would not affect his standing within the company.

“What everyone thinks happened — it did,’’ Andrews said. “I was attempting a take-down, got my head in the wrong position and was out the moment I hit the canvas.

Sam Alvey celebrates victory over Dylan Andrews

“One minute I’m in a fight, the next thing I’m sitting in a dressing room wondering what happened. And given this was going to be the night I really announced myself in the UFC, yeah, it’s been tough to accept.

“I’ve watched the tape 1000 times since looking for answers. Actually, I watched it again about five minutes before you called.

“And I could kill myself thinking about all the ways things could have turned out differently. But in the end, it was just bad luck.”

Asked about the discussion with Wright, he continued: “Tom said the loss would not affect where I am in the UFC.

“That eased the pain a little. In my mind, Sam Alvey was done, he was beat. I was ready to go through him and call out someone in the top 15. But what can you do?

“Three days later I was back in the gym. When the UFC want me, I’m ready.”

Jessy Rose Clark set for stardom

AUSTRALIAN fight fans would do well to keep an eye on rising Queensland bantamweight Jessy Rose Clark — who has been signed to the Invicta promotion. Boasting bright pink hair, and competing under the fight name Jessy Jess, Clark boasts a 5-1 record, four of which have come via finish.

She boasts wins over Bellator signee Arlene Blenclow and New Zealand star Kate Da Silva.

Is one Australia fight enough?

IF LABOR is defeated this weekend, Australian fight fans will only receive one event in 2015 — with the odds of it being a Pay-Per-View highly unlikely. Asked if one Fight Night card is enough to grow the sport Down Under, UFC boss Tom Wright said: “For the long-term growth of the UFC and MMA in Australia, we need to ensure the sport is properly understood and regulated countrywide.

“A consistent schedule of live events in multiple locations across Australia remains a priority.

“Looking at the UFC calendar for 2015, we’re hoping to bring one or two events to Australia. One of those events, a Pay-Per-View event, is scheduled for Melbourne, pending regulatory change.”

Originally published as UFC’s Ultimate Fighting Column: Blockbuster fight set for Melbourne’s Eithad Stadium if Vic Labor wins vote