- Published:
- Thursday 12 November 2015 at 2:42 pm
World-renowned MMA megastar Ronda Rousey is in Melbourne preparing to defend her UFC World Title as Victoria gets set to stage one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Rousey is one of world sport’s most recognised identities – and feared competitors. The American Women’s Bantamweight Champion was once a star Olympian, but now boasts an undefeated record after making the switch to MMA.
Today, Rousey met a renowned champion of a different kind, as history-making Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne joined Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren and thousands of fans at an open workout at Federation Square.
Just as Payne captured a nation aboard Prince of Penzance at last week’s Cup, the eyes of the sporting world will be on Rousey and Melbourne when hundreds of millions of fans tune in to watch her battle with Holly Holm.
It’s all possible because the Andrews Labor Government has honoured its election commitment to lift the ban on holding MMA events in the safety enclosure that UFC events require – a move industry experts say will reduce the likelihood of serious injury.
The Etihad Stadium event is poised to attract more than 55,000 fans – and break the record for the single biggest crowd ever at a UFC event. Some 40 per cent of tickets already sold belong to interstate or overseas visitors – and they’ll be keeping our bars and hotels busy and our economy strong.
The Labor Government’s action is giving Victoria an opportunity to tap into this multi-million dollar industry and showcase our State to visitors and television viewers from right around the globe – and that means a stronger State.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren
“There’s no bigger name in world sport than Ronda Rousey, and there’s no better place for the world’s best athletes than Melbourne.”
“The steady stream of visitors converging on Victoria for UFC193 is more proof our policy is boosting tourism, creating jobs and protecting the safety of sportspeople.”
“Unsafe rules have stood in the way of us hosting one of the biggest events in the world. Now we can, and it’s going to be huge.”
“Let’s be clear: Mixed Martial Arts is already legal in Victoria – more than 70 bouts were held last year. We’re making the sport safer so we can bring UFC to our state.”