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The UFC’s first trip to Melbourne saw a record crowd of 56,214 pack into Etihad Stadium and pull a record $9 million at the gate alone.
UFC president Dana White is also still basking in the success of a global deal with Reebok which will further the company’s expansion on the world stage.
“Through it all and all we’ve managed to achieve to this point, we really needed a big apparel deal,” White told Sportal.
“If you look at all the professional leagues in the world, they all have that.
“That’s what we really needed to get to.”It’s not just a great deal for the UFC, but for the fighters as well, said White.
“They get paid per fight, but having that deal as well is something else.
“To look at where we’ve come from is pretty incredible.”
Reebok executive Matt O’Toole said the deal was a perfect fit between two companies still intent on getting bigger.
“We’re in a very similar stage of development,” he said.
“Ten years ago, the UFC was small, but now it’s on the cusp of being one of the most prominent sports in the world.
“It’s definitely our boldest deal yet and we’re stepping into new territory.”
O’Toole says the deal isn’t designed just to help certain fighters, but to inspire regular people as well.
“There are 35 million people whose primary way of staying fit is combat training,” he said.
“They don’t do it professionally, or to fight, or for a career, but for the challenge and for fitness.
“As for the fighters, the people look up to them as idols and the ultimate success of the UFC is the athletes like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor.
“It’s in their stories and how Ronda paved the way for women in the sport.
“It’s also in the challengers like Holly Holm who also have a great story which we really want to celebrate.
“So it’s all about encouraging people on a new journey of living a fit and healthy lifestyle.
“That’s the centre of our story.”