Minns’ UFC pledge ‘counterproductive’ to addressing domestic violence

NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns says a Labor government would spend $16 million to lure three UFC fights to Sydney, prompting a rebuke from women’s safety advocates who have warned against glorifying violence.

On the same day he announced more funding for women’s health centres across NSW, Minns promised to bring Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts pay-per-view fights back to Sydney in a bid to boost tourism.

Women’s groups say UFC fights glorify violence.Credit: Getty

Minns said the fights would attract visitors and worldwide exposure for Sydney, but Hayley Foster, chief executive of women’s counselling service Full Stop, said the strategy would not aid the reduction of violence across NSW.

“We would prefer not to see taxpayer funds used on events such as this that glorify violence,” she said.

“We have very problematic messaging that we’re sending to men or boys in our communities around what it means to be a real man.”

The UFC is a mixed martial arts, cage fighting competition which allows participants to use a variety of fighting techniques including boxing, wrestling and kick-boxing.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns says he will bring three UFC fights to Sydney if elected in March.Credit: Rhett Wyman

The fights often appear more violent than traditional boxing bouts and can result in savage knock-outs from kicks and elbows to the head.

UFC president Dana White earlier this month also issued a public apology after he was filmed appearing to strike his wife.

Foster praised NSW Labor for committing to fund sexual violence helplines for NSW but said a move to bring UFC fights to the state was counterproductive.

Minns defended the move to announce the fights on the same day the opposition pledged funding for domestic violence services, saying the two commitments were not connected.

UFC president Dana White was forced to apologise for allegedly slapping his wife.Credit: ninevms

“There’s absolutely no link between the two. Obviously, our announcement in relation to UFC is important for the NSW economy,” he said.

“Obviously, it generates enormous amount of interest and exposure to Sydney and Australia.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Coalition government would focus on other events including the Women’s FIFA World Cup.

“Labor’s sad policy for events in NSW is a few cage fights, ours has been and will be delivering great events like the women’s FIFA World Cup, the Netball World Cup and World Pride 2023 - but the opposition leader is welcome to his priority of three fights,” he said.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says he is focused on bringing an NFL game to Sydney.Credit: AP

Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was more inclined to attempt to bring an American football game to NSW, while Minister for Women’s Safety Natalie Ward said she had other priorities than UFC.

“I’m just focusing on our job which is prioritising women’s safety, I’m not a really big fan of fighting to be honest, I just want to focus on human safety, and I’m more of a cricket fan,” she said.

Minns argued the UFC would attract tourism dollars for NSW.

“It brings entertainment, jobs, tourism dollars, enhances Sydney’s sporting reputation, and showcases our state to the world,” he said.

“I want to make sure we attract more major events right here in NSW.”

Sydney last hosted a UFC pay-per-view event in February 2011 with more than 18,000 fans attending, while Perth will host a Lightweight Championship fight next month.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Full Stop Australia 1800 FULL STOP or 1800 385 578. In an emergency, call 000.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.