The Perth Arena has been named as potential venue to host the UFC

After being sworn in as the new Western Australia government in March, the McGowan Labor Party has legalised the use of the cage for Mixed Martial Arts bouts in the state.

The ban was officially lifted on Friday.

Despite the backing of the WA Combat Sports Commission for use of the cage in MMA bouts, the controversial ban was put in place back in 2013 by the Barnett government.

It was a blow for the local MMA scene with some promotions shutting up shop, leaving Eternal MMA to revert back to the boxing ring to hold regular events in Perth.

“It’s encouraging to see the Labor Party in Western Australia are introducing the use of the safety enclosure for MMA events as per their election promise,” Eternal MMA promoter Cam O’Neill told Fight News Australia.

“Eternal were very disappointed that this ban had not been lifted in time for last week’s Eternal 25 despite the sports commission being aware of the date of that show immediately after the election.

“The introduction of the cage will provide fighters in WA a safer environment to compete,” O’Neill added.

Both the UFC and Eternal have been campaigning to lift the cage ban. Former UFC heavyweight Soa Palelei was also on scene at McGowan’s election victory back in March.

The UFC has indicated strong interest in bringing an event to Perth once the cage is legalised while Victorian promotion Hex Fight Series has announced that they will be making their Perth debut on July 29.