The UFC is returning to Melbourne one year after the record breaking UFC 193 at Etihad Stadium.

The night was a phenomenal one on so many levels with the “unbeatable” champion Ronda Rousey shocked by Holly Holm in front of the biggest UFC attendance of all time 56,214.

It seems the success of the evening has cemented Melbourne the title of the home of UFC in Australia with Fight Night returning to the Southern city this Sunday.

Exactly one year ago today, Holly Holm soundly defeated the Evil Ronda Rousey at #UFC 193, Ronda has been missing since. #HappyAnniversary pic.twitter.com/UY0iL2jVJ3 — JustBleedMMA (@JustBleedMMA) November 15, 2016

It’s hard to believe that only two years ago the octagon was completely banned in Melbourne.

#UFC : Allowed in 146 countries, but banned in Melbourne, Australia = ridiculous http://t.co/fQbC6yZq — Vickie Helson (@vickiehelson) February 26, 2012

Now Melbourne is attracting some of the biggest UFC names in the world. What’s even more impressive though is the amount of home-grown MMA talent being produced in Melbourne. It’s one thing to be an “event” city but actually developing talent at the grass-roots level is a different thing all together. Right now it seems Melbourne is ticking both boxes.

Jake Matthews grew up playing footy in Melbourne’s outer suburb of Epping with dreams of an AFL career. At 16 though he had his first amateur fight and hasn’t looked back since. Matthews who now has thirteen MMA fights under his belt describes Melbourne as the “Mecca for UFC in Australia”.

“I’ve been to Rod Laver Arena heaps of times to watch events. Fighting in Melbourne- it really doesn’t get any better.”

Unfortunately fighting in your hometown can also have its drawbacks with Jake’s mates always hassling him for free tickets.

“There’s absolutely no tickets for them this year (Laughs). We’ve got a big contingent coming to support me. The whole crowd will probably be there cheering me on it’s great.”

Former Olympian Daniel Kelly, another Melbourne born and bred UFC warrior, agrees that fighting in Melbourne always gives him an edge.

“Rod Laver arena is going to be fantastic because the seating is really steep and everyone’s going to be able to see everything. The roof is going to be ready to lift-off. Fighting in your home town is always awesome. It’s the pinnacle.”

by Michael T. Lynch – contributor