Better start saving now folks
We know that many Irish MMA fans have already booked their flights to Boston to see Conor McGregor’s next UFC bout, against Dennis Siver, in January.
But if the reports in the Australian press today are true, Irish fans of Notorious may have to start saving even harder if they want to catch another of his 2015 bouts.
The Australian Daily Telegraph is reporting that Dana White is planning to bring UFC193 to the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. And, the paper claims, those who could be on the bill include some of the biggest names in the organisation, including Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey and our own Mr McGregor.
A new Government in Victoria will change the current ban on ‘eight-sided cage fighting’ so White has already planned to put on a show in Melbourne before the end of the year. And to make the requisite splash in the new territory, UFC Australia boss Tom Wright is determined it will be a big show, with a big name.
“We only get one chance to make a first impression,’’ Wright told The Daily Telegraph.
“I remember when we first went into Toronto, Canada, and (UFC owner) Lorenzo Fertita said ‘this is going to be our Super Bowl’.
“It’s the same with Melbourne. That will be our mandate.
“It’s why this card has to be headlined with a world title fight. We cannot do an event of this magnitude without putting a belt on the line.”
Of course, a year is a long time in the UFC, so injury, a title defence or other opportunities could dictate that McGregor will not be available for the Melbourne show but with so many Irish in Oz, McGregor’s presence on the bill would surely make it easy sell for the UFC.
