Follow live: NSW reaps the rewards as Sydney prepares to host UFC 312

NSW Premier Chris Minns has heard criticisms of his government’s deal to bring UFC to Sydney — and, he has a message for the sport’s critics. FOLLOW UFC 312 LIVE

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February 9, 2025 - 5:00AM

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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has defended his government’s investment in the UFC, with the state already making back the money it paid to host three pay-per-views events in Sydney.

Minns made bringing several high-profile UFC cards to Sydney a key campaign promise ahead of his election in March 2023.

The $16 million deal for three events over four years was one of his first big-ticket announcements in May 2023.

That September, UFC 293 injected $15.3 million into the economy, and generated $57.1 million in total economic impact.

“Part of the reason we brought UFC to Sydney is because of the huge boost it gives to the economy,” Minns said on the eve of the second event – UFC 312 – this weekend.

“Over half of the people who attended the first UFC event were from overseas or interstate.

“These people don’t just go to the fight. They make a weekend of it, staying in hotels and spending money in restaurants to have a good time.

“The first fight alone generated over $15 million in revenue for the state.”

Minns is a big UFC fan and made an election campaign promise to bring fights to Sydney. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Minns’ comments come on the back of criticism as Melbourne bought the right to host three NFL games from 2026, and in the face of ongoing backlash at the UFC and mixed martial arts more generally.

That condemnation was amplified this week following some wild press conference comments by outspoken American fighter Sean Strickland, who headlines today’s card against middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

Strickland’s unflinching authenticity has made him a favourite with Aussie UFC fans, but has bent plenty of noises out of joint too.

“I’ve heard some of the criticisms of UFC, but I think it’s unfair to throw out a whole sport as nefarious,” Minns said.

“The reality is, there’s a slim chance young people are going to look to a politician speaking at a press conference or sending out a media release when they want inspiration to live a healthy, disciplined life.”

“They will look to people they aspire to.”

UFC star Alex Volkanovski and Minns. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Zuffa LLC

In former featherweight champion, Aussie hero Alex Volkanovski, Minns has the perfect homegrown example for kids to look up to.

“People like the Volk who, as a result of living their lives in a purposeful, healthy way, became world champions in their sport,” he said.

“In my opinion, that’s a whole lot better than sitting at home on devices or watching TV.”

Volkanovski, who is preparing to make another featherweight title run, has had countless first-hand examples of mixed martial arts changing lives for the better.

“I reckon if you had 200 troubled kids, I guarantee you that if 100 of them did martial arts, then that 100 are way more likely to start having a bit more purpose, and find more direction,” Volkanovski told this masthead.

“They’ll control their anger more, and just have more discipline to turn it around.

“I see it all the time. Kids come in, thinking they’re gangster, but they go into the gym and realise they’re not as tough as they thought, and that no one cares about that.

“The real tough people don’t care about that stuff. Some of the toughest people I know in the world are the most respectful.”

Volkanovski taking a training session with local fighters at UFC Gym in Sydney. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Volkanovski says it’s an ongoing process to change the minds of critics, but hopes he has been a positive influence.

“I’ve tried to set a good example,” the Wollongong local said. “I may change peoples’ opinions sometimes, but in any sport you’re going to have some that are a bit crazier than others.

“In our sport, we’re not so media trained, they’re allowed to be themselves and they might say some things here and there – Sean Strickland for one.

“That’s where a lot of direction might go this week. But imagine where Sean would be without mixed martial arts. It wouldn’t be good.

“I know still have to defend it, and there are some people I see and it’s like, ‘I’m doing all this hard work and they’re changing it’, but that’s the same with any sport.

“I just hope I’m setting a good example.”

UFC in NSW Factbox

18,168: How many people attended UFC 293

52%: How many attendees were from interstate or overseas

$15.3 million: How much money UFC fans injected into the NSW economy

$16 million: How much the Minns government paid to host three PPV events over four years

12 minutes: How long it took UFC 293 to sell out

975 million: How many households UFC 293 was beamed into

How to watch UFC 312

Watch UFC 312 on Main Event PPV and Kayo Sport

What time does UFC 312 start?

The first fight will get underway at 10am AEDT

When does the UFC 312 pay per view start?

The PPV portion of the card will start at 2pm

What time are Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland fighting?

Expect the main event to begin at around 4pm

UFC 312 predictions

Alex Volkanovski

It’s gonna be a fun one. I think Dricus is going to bring a little bit more than last time. I don’t think Sean will change much. He just brings his own fight. That’s his style it works for him. I think it will be similar to last time, but I think it will be a decision win for Dricus.

Jack Della Maddalena

I think Dricus will win. He’d be a hard guy to prepare for. I think it’ll be similar to the first fight with some crazy back and forth, but the power of Dricus, I think he’ll get the win.

Jake Matthews

I think Dricus has just elevated so much since their last fight. He’s not so much a martial artist as an athlete. He was able to land strikes on Israel Adesanya, and his martial arts abilities have increased as well. I think Dricus gets the finish.

Tom Nolan

I’ve got Dricus by fourth round TKO or sub.

Israel Adesanya

I think Dricus is going to win, but he’s going to do it the way he does, which is stubborn and take him down and try to beat Strickland up.

Max Holloway

You’ve gotta go with the champ on this one. Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya both talked about it, this man just finds a way to win. It’ll probably be by decision, it’s hard to finish Sean Strickland.

Tatiana Suarez

I have to go with my teammate Sean Strickland. I think he won the first fight, so I’m rooting for him again. I’m going to win my world title the same day.