UFC reveals exciting line-up of fights for its highly anticipated comeback to Australia

The UFC is gearing up to rock Australia again, and the announcement has sent shockwaves through the MMA world. After lighting up Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena last year with UFC 312—where Dricus du Plessis defended his middleweight throne against Sean Strickland in a rematch that packed both drama and fireworks—the octagon is ready to set foot on Aussie soil once more. Mark September 27 in your calendars because the roaring crowd at Perth’s RAC Arena will witness a Fight Night loaded with scintillating matchups. While the UFC’s nomadic schedule will have the promotion globe-trotting through the rest of 2025, this Australian return promises a treat loud enough to wake the kangaroos.

The initial fight card unveils a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and fighters who have earned their stripes in brutal bouts, making this card a juicy stew of styles, stories, and stakes. From the gritty Korean Superboy Doo Ho Choi aiming to extend his comeback streak, to New Zealand’s Navajo Stirling poised to test his undefeated MMA record, the setup is thick with promise—and a pinch of chaos. Plus, throw in some fresh Blood from Dana White’s Contender Series, and you’ve got yourself a night where everything can happen. As the UFC leans on its global partners—think Reebok, Monster Energy, EA Sports, and the like—to put on a spectacle worthy of the Pacific’s finest fight fans, expectations are sky-high and the buzz is undeniable.

This isn’t just another trek down under; it’s a statement. A chance for fighters to punch through the glass ceiling or crash and burn spectacularly under the lights. Welcome to a night where punches fly faster than T-Mobile data, takedowns hit harder than a BodyArmor slam, and every second counts like a bet at DraftKings. And while some will rise, others might find their moment slipping away faster than you can say ‘Volkswagen speedway.’ Buckle up—Australia’s UFC comeback is about to rewrite the script of 2025 fight nights.

UFC’s Australian Fight Night: A Breakdown of Confirmed Fights Lighting Up Perth

Getting straight to the heart of the matter, UFC’s return to Perth isn’t just a replay of last year’s saga. It’s a fresh canvas splattered with intrigue and punchy promise. First up, we have Doo Ho Choi, the Korean Superboy who’s been on a rollercoaster since his return from mandatory military service. His draw against Kyle Nelson in 2023 was about as exciting as watching paint dry, but Choi redeemed his thrill factor with a stoppage of Bill Algeo last July, snapping a nearly decade-long win drought. And if you thought that was a one-hit-wonder comeback, he doubled down by finishing Nate Landwehr—yeah, the same Nate who’s as tough as a vegan at a barbecue.

Now Choi’s eyes are locked on Daniel Santos, a fighter with a shaky start—losing his UFC debut to Julio Arce—but who’s since rallied with three consecutive victories, proving he’s more than just a one-trick pony. This clash already smells like a slugfest and an identity test. Will the Korean Superboy rediscover his old magic, or is the Santos storm brewing to wash away the past? Take notes, fight fans.

Meanwhile, another matchup brewing on the card features New Zealand’s unbeaten marauder, Navajo Stirling. Sitting pretty at 7-0 professionally and 2-0 inside the UFC, Stirling is the kind of fighter who turns heads faster than a Tapout tee on fight night. His opponent, Brazil’s Rodolfo Bellato, carries a mixed resume: a debut knockout, an unfortunate draw with Jimmy Crute, and a fight called off early due to an illegal upkick from Paul Craig. Bellato is hungry to prove those hiccups are just bumps on his path to glory.

Rounding out the early reveals are two electrifying fighters with contrasting arcs. Loma Lookboonmee, currently ranked #14 in the UFC strawweight division, rides a sizzling four-win wave. The Thai striker is primed for a showdown against Alexia Thainara, a fresh-faced contender who stunned fans by submitting Molly McCann not long ago. With Thainara earning her octagon stripes on Dana White’s Contender Series and Lookboonmee’s relentless pace, expect fireworks that’ll make your Buffalo Wild Wings wings taste even spicier.

To finish off this hot lineup, Colby Thicknesse and Josias Musasa—both UFC newcomers chasing their maiden promotional wins—face off in a battle guaranteed to shake up the ranks. Thicknesse tasted the sting of defeat against Aleksandre Topuria at UFC 312, while Musasa has had a rougher ride, missing weight and suffering a submission in his debut. This fight might not headline any blockbuster event soon, but it’s a gritty grind fight that could spark careers or slam doors shut.

• Doo Ho Choi vs. Daniel Santos – streaks and redemption collide
• Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato – unbeaten streak meets inconsistent heat
• Loma Lookboonmee vs. Alexia Thainara – ranked threat vs. rising Contender Series star
• Colby Thicknesse vs. Josias Musasa – newcomer clash with everything to prove

Fighter	Record	Notable	Recent Form
Doo Ho Choi	Known for striking flair and comeback spirit	Two recent stoppages post military service	Wins over Algeo and Landwehr
Daniel Santos	Mixed UFC record, resilient	3 fight win streak after shaky debut	Victories building momentum
Navajo Stirling	Undefeated 7-0 pro, 2-0 UFC	Unblemished pro record	Steady rise, unstoppable momentum
Rodolfo Bellato	Bouts with highs and lows	KO debut, controversial draw	Recent first-round no contest
Loma Lookboonmee	UFC strawweight #14	Five-fight winning streak	Rising threat in strawweight division
Alexia Thainara	Contender Series winner	Shock submit of fan fave Molly McCann	Impressive UFC debut
Colby Thicknesse	Undefeated before UFC	Debut loss at UFC 312	Seeking first UFC win
Josias Musasa	Undefeated before UFC	Weight miss, submission loss	In need of redemption

Technical Showdowns and Tactical Mastery Expected at UFC Fight Night Australia

Australia’s UFC comeback isn’t just about flash and thrills; it’s also a chess match in MMA form. Fans tuning in shouldn’t expect a circus of wild haymakers but rather a clinic of technique, strategy, and heart-pounding grit. The card’s matchups mix explosive striking with slick grappling, promising a thrilling cross-section of MMA artistry.

Take Doo Ho Choi, whose fighting style is a potent blend of precise striking and stubborn resilience. Often dubbed the “Korean Superboy,” Choi’s game is a puncher’s paradise. His comeback wins against Algeo and Landwehr show a man who’s adjusted his timing and power like tweaking an engine for top horsepower. Choi’s jab, if as sharp as his predictions, would already have him on another level. Against Daniel Santos, expect a tactical battle, with Santos’ wrestling-heavy approach aiming to ground the flashy striker and sap his oxygen like a bloodsucker at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

On the flip side, Navajo Stirling represents a flashy striker with an enviable professional record but still proving his mettle in the UFC jungle. Bellato’s Brazilian craftiness and mixing of stand-up and grappling make him a wild card capable of flipping the script. Bellato’s recent fight drama due to a rogue upkick that earned a no contest only adds to the unpredictability. Fans should watch how Stirling handles Bellato’s unpredictability—defense like Wi-Fi in a Starbucks: spotty but beloved.

The female strawweight battle between Lookboonmee and Thainara is another highlight for fans craving technical wizardry. Lookboonmee’s experience and ranking sit alongside Thainara’s youth and hunger. Their exchanges will likely blend high-volume striking with sudden submission attempts, a test of both striking defense and grappling offense. For anyone wondering why the EA Sports UFC game simulation rarely matches fight night intensity—here’s your real deal.

The newcomers battle between Thicknesse and Musasa is the kind of fight where desperation meets determination. Both fighters are fresh to the UFC’s unforgiving lights, and their styles suggest a fight swinging on the pendulum of who gasps for breath last. This fight might not steal headlines but will give hardcore fans a taste of pure, raw MMA without the polish.

• Choi vs. Santos: striking precision vs. wrestling control
• Stirling vs. Bellato: unbeaten jabber meets unpredictable Brazilian craft
• Lookboonmee vs. Thainara: ranked veteran vs. rising star grappling and striking test
• Thicknesse vs. Musasa: rookie grit and hunger showdown

Fighter	Style Strength	Weaknesses	Key Tactical Notes
Doo Ho Choi	Striking / Power punching	Cardio sometimes fades	Needs to avoid takedowns and keep tempo high
Daniel Santos	Wrestling / Pressure	Stand-up defense	Target Choi’s gas tank, grapple-heavy game plan
Navajo Stirling	Striking / Precision	Experience at UFC level	Must manage Bellato’s unpredictables
Rodolfo Bellato	Mixed striking and grappling	Discipline and stamina	Capitalize on Stirling’s mistakes
Loma Lookboonmee	Volume striking / Submissions	Power shots	Control distance, work takedown defense
Alexia Thainara	Submission grappling	Striking polish	Look for openings in striking exchanges
Colby Thicknesse	Striking power	Experience under pressure	Stick to basics, avoid panic
Josias Musasa	Grappling / Aggression	Weight management	Improve conditioning to sustain pace

Commercial Tie-Ins and Brand Power Boosting UFC’s Australia Return

The UFC’s international ventures have always been more than fists and fury—they’re a multimillion-dollar spectacle with Reebok kits, Monster Energy refreshments, DraftKings fantasy smackdowns, and beyond fueling the magic. The Australia comeback is no different, with the promotion leveraging its business relationships to crank the event’s profile and fan engagement.

Take Reebok, a brand that’s etched itself as the official MMA outfitter, providing fighters with gear sharp enough to cut through the tension inside the cage. Paired with Monster Energy, the preferred fuel for post-fight celebrations or last-minute sparring, the combo screams high-octane energy fit for Perth’s RAC Arena atmosphere.

Meanwhile, EA Sports is the digital arena where fans can translate what they see on fight night into pixels and combos on screens worldwide. This synergy amplifies the excitement as gamers across the globe mimic sequences from Lookboonmee’s pinpoint strikes or Choi’s explosive combos.

Tapout gear, always synonymous with raw fight culture, also plays a part, giving fans an opportunity to wear their allegiance loud and proud. Inside the arena, venues and partner companies from Buffalo Wild Wings to Volkswagen and T-Mobile keep the buzz alive with promotions, tech magic, and fan connectivity that turn the event into a full-blown combat carnival.

• Reebok: official fight gear outfitter
• Monster Energy: the juice for fighters and fans alike
• EA Sports: gaming synergy and fan immersion
• Tapout: iconic fight apparel
• Buffalo Wild Wings, Volkswagen, T-Mobile: ancillary fan engagement and tech support
• DraftKings: fantasy sports integration and betting thrills

Brand	Role	Fan Experience Impact
Reebok	Official Gear	Uniform look, market presence
Monster Energy	Energy Drink	Boost performance and party vibe
EA Sports	Gaming Partner	Virtual engagement, realism
Tapout	Apparel	Cultural authenticity
Buffalo Wild Wings	Fan Events	Social hangouts, atmosphere
Volkswagen	Transport	Infrastructure support, visibility
T-Mobile	Telecom	Connectivity, online streaming
DraftKings	Fantasy Sports	Betting excitement, fan interaction

Fighter Comebacks and Career Turning Points to Watch at UFC Perth

This card is sprinkled with stories about redemption, comebacks, and moments that can turn a career on its head faster than Colby Thicknesse’s knees when he’s in trouble. Doo Ho Choi, in particular, paints the perfect picture of resilience. After drifting through most of his career with bursts of brilliance interspersed with long slumps, his post-military service resurgence has the taste of a comeback marinated in dogged spirit.

Similarly, Daniel Santos looks to continue grinding his way out of a rocky start. Fighters like Navajo Stirling, unbeaten so far but facing the UFC’s unforgiving spotlight, carry the weight of expectations racing against experience. Lookboonmee and Thainara represent a generation clash, with the veteran Thai grappler battling a rising Brazilian submission artist hungry for the big stage.

Then we have the rookies, Thicknesse and Musasa—both entering the cage hungry and raw. Thicknesse’s last outing was a humbling loss, his jab as erratic as his record’s stability, while Musasa’s harsh introduction to the UFC came with a weight miss and a submission. Their fight is a high-stakes crossroads: win and you announce your arrival; lose and the path gets that much steeper.

• Doo Ho Choi: attempt to extend career-best win streak
• Daniel Santos: rebuild momentum after rough debut
• Navajo Stirling: protect unbeaten record
• Rodolfo Bellato: snap out of recent controversy
• Loma Lookboonmee: solidify strawweight status
• Alexia Thainara: capture rising star momentum
• Colby Thicknesse: prove UFC belongs
• Josias Musasa: redeem and adjust

Fighter	Career Phase	Motivation	Recent Highlights
Doo Ho Choi	Veteran comeback	Match longest winning streak	First stoppages since 2016
Daniel Santos	Young resurgence	Three-fight win streak	Momentum building
Navajo Stirling	Undefeated up-and-comer	7-0 pro, looking to keep streak	Strong amateur background
Rodolfo Bellato	Inconsistent early UFC career	Rebound from no contest	KO debut win
Loma Lookboonmee	Ranking consolidation	Hold strawweight top 15 spot	Four straight wins
Alexia Thainara	Fresh talent	Make name in UFC	Submission of Molly McCann
Colby Thicknesse	Rookie seeking first win	End losing skid	Loss at UFC 312
Josias Musasa	New UFC fighter	Prove worth despite setbacks	Submission loss debut

What This Return Means for Australia’s MMA Landscape and Global Fans

The UFC’s decision to swing back to Australia is more than a simple “we’re back” message—it’s a power-packed reminder that the region is a heavyweight on the global MMA map. Perth’s RAC Arena will become a melting pot of fan energy and fighter ambition, setting a benchmark for how high-profile international fight cards should crackle in 2025.

This event provides a platform for local talent like Navajo Stirling to showcase skills on a world stage while attracting global stars looking to keep their momentum or resurrect their careers away from the usual North American glare. The UFC’s partners—from T-Mobile facilitating seamless live streams to Buffalo Wild Wings offering fan zone hangouts—ensure that fans, whether in the arena or watching at home, get a front-row seat with all the trimmings.

Australia’s return also signals how the UFC is doubling down on its international growth strategy, throwing more darts on the global map with stops that stir local passion and global viewership in equal measure. There’s a reason why fights like du Plessis vs. Strickland remain etched in the memory. This new card for Perth has all the ingredients to forge tomorrow’s classics.

• International spotlight and growth for Australian MMA
• Showcases local and global fighter talent
• Enhanced fan experiences through sponsors and venues
• Boost to Australia’s sporting entertainment calendar
• Amplifies UFC’s global footprint and market

Impact	Details	Examples
Global Exposure	Increased international broadcast and fan engagement	Leverage partners like T-Mobile streaming
Local Development	Platform for Australian and NZ fighters	Navajo Stirling’s growth
Fan Experience	Enhanced live and remote viewing	Buffalo Wild Wings fan zones
Economic Boost	Tourism and local business impact	Fight night influx to Perth’s hospitality
Strategic Expansion	UFC’s international market depth	Building on past successes like UFC 312