Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker could be sharing a blockbuster UFC showcase in Sydney this summer – with the option one of several being discussed under the promotion’s new $7.7 billion broadcast deal.

Less than a year after NSW Premier Chris Minns offered to put a Volkanovski-Whittaker double act into an outdoor football stadium, talk of the pair topping an historic Harbour City card in February is again gathering momentum.

The event would effectively become the final instalment of the NSW Government’s $16 million deal with the US fight promotion, which still owes the city one more “major” event as part of the partnership.

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 12: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia celebrates after defeating Diego Lopes of Brazil to win the featherweight title during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Megan Briggs / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP

Another option under discussion is having Whittaker top what would be a UFC Fight Night card, with the fighter telling Fox Sports Australia: “I’m pretty sure the UFC is coming back to Sydney in summer … and my hand is up to headline”.

UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa is also back in the gym and eyeing off a February hometown return, with the Mt Druitt cult favourite declaring “I’ve got the itch back”.

While the travelling UFC roadshow is in Perth this week – with Dom Reyes and Carlos Ulberg headlining Sunday’s RAC Arena card – talk is also building around proposed plans for Australia’s biggest names.

Already, new welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena is confirmed for a UFC 322 blockbuster in November – defending against Islam Makhachev at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden.

Volkanovski was also thought to be defending his UFC featherweight crown against Englishman Lerone Murphy the following month in Las Vegas, but told Submission Radio on Saturday “there might be a spanner in the works.”

When it was put to Volkanovski about Sydney in February, he grinned coyly: “February in Sydney … is it February?”

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Speaking with Fox Sports Australia at the weekend, UFC executive Dave Shaw refused to be drawn on how everything would play out – but didn’t rule out the idea of a huge February card.

Shaw also confirmed there will be at least two UFC shows Down Under next year, but is remaining tight-lipped on whether one, or both, will be numbered events.

Regardless, it appears almost certain one of Australia’s fighting favourites will be headlining a homesoil card early next year as the UFC kicks off its new American broadcasting deal.

Initially, there was talk of Whittaker topping a Fight Night-style event in Sydney next February, which would double as The Reaper’s first appearance on home soil in six years – and since dropping the UFC middleweight crown in 2019.

Over the weekend however, whispers also emerged regarding Volkanovski defending gold in his hometown on that date – and potentially in a hyped rematch against Brazilian Diego Lopes.

If Volk were to headline, Whittaker would then become co-main.

Quizzed on the growing talk around Volk and Whittaker sharing a Sydney card over summer, Shaw said the new broadcasting deal meant that things were still being worked through regarding how 2026 kicks off.

“Right now, there are lots of discussions going on,” he said regarding how things look for Australia. “And while we don’t have anything to announce, we are going to be back here at least twice next year.”

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JUNE 22: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand reacts after his victory against Ikram Aliskerov of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Kingdom Arena on June 22, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Pushed on the idea of an Aussie headlining in Sydney next February, he continued: “We’ve got a really good history of coming to Australia in the summer, and the February timeframe makes a lot of sense for us.

“So you look at that, and who is available to compete … you put those two factors together and it all makes a lot of sense for us.

“I won’t assign a probability but things are lining up nicely for that type of event

“And whether that is a Fight Night or a pay-per-view, we haven’t decided yet.”

Certainly, Whittaker wants in.

“I’m pretty sure the UFC is coming back to Sydney in summer,” he said.

“And my hand is up to headline in February.

“That timeline definitely works for me.

“My wife is due in November, then it’s Christmas, so February is the perfect time while also giving me the chance to work on a few things.”

And as for potentially sharing a blockbuster numbered event with Volk?

“Well, I know the new UFC broadcasting deal kicks over in January,” he said. “So I don’t think they’re set on what will happen yet to start the year.

“But I’d definitely like to share a card with Volk.”

Then after a brief pause, Whittaker cackled: “It also means Volk can headline and I don’t have to fight five rounds.”

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Whittaker added that his preference for the fight, as either headliner or co-main, would be Strickland, whose previous two Sydney visits have involved a wonderful array of press conference antics and backpage headlines.

Initially, the polarising Las Vegas native famously upset Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title in the Harbour City two years ago.

He then returned for a second title fight against the man who took the gold strap from him, South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis, at the start of this year – losing the UFC 312 headliner via a lopsided decision.

Currently, Strickland is also still ranked at No.3 in the middleweight division, meaning a highlight reel win for Whittaker could put him within striking distance for one last title crack.

“I think Sean would be a good name to fight,” the Sydneysider said. “And a fight a lot of people would be interested in that fight, too.”

Tuivasa, meanwhile, is in Perth this week as a guest fighter and has spent time training at Maddalena’s gym, Scrappy MMA.

Asked if his work was in preparation for a February return in Sydney, the Mt Druitt heavyweight said: “Yeah, that’s definitely the goal”.

But as for if he expects it to be a numbered card or Fight Night?

“Bro, I get punched in the head for living,” Tuivasa laughed. “I don’t make those decisions.

“But I’ll be ready for February.

“I’ve spent some time away — done some resting, had some family time and fixed some stuff with the businesses that I have.

“And I’ve got to want to do this.

“It’s a hard sport and if you’re not all in, then you need to have a rest.

“But now, I’ve got the itch back.

Tai Tuivasa is action against Jairzinho Rozenstruik in Perth in 2024.Source: Getty Images

“I love fighting and I miss it again.”

Once a genuine UFC heavyweight title contender, Tuivasa is currently on a run of five straight losses.

“And some of those losses were against top guys,” he shrugged. “And some of the losses could’ve gone my way but didn’t.

“Losing is s***.

“And it got to the point where I said ‘f***, I need a rest’.

“Got really down on myself.

“But it’s all good.

“I’ve had time out and I’m ready to go.”

And as for the state of the heavyweight division?

“I don’t think any other heavyweights are doing s*** anyway,” he grinned.

“And all the ones that are fighting are useless.

“So I’m definitely excited to come back.

“And I’m coming back to win.”

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Elsewhere, UFC Senior Vice President of Australia and New Zealand, Peter Kloczko, confirmed discussions are currently underway to give cities like Perth and Sydney a guaranteed annual spot on the UFC calendar.

“Which is something we’re still working through,” he said. “But the idea of having that annualised event – coming to the same destination on a frequent basis – it allows people to plan ahead.”

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia in October last year, Premier Minns offered to host his city’s impending UFC 312 showcase at an outdoor stadium capable of holding 50,000 if both Volkanovski and Whittaker were involved.

Eventually, neither fighter would take part – taking Australia’s recent run of pay-per-view events without a local headliner to three straight.

The three cards in question have involved a mix of the same three international fighters — Strickland, Adesanya and DDP.

Sunday’s Perth card also involves no Aussie headliner, although there is a stack of local talent on the undercard.

While the NSW premier knows the chances of UFC boss Dana White wanting an outdoor venue are unlikely, he has always still been willing to make the offer, stressing last October: “We can do it, we’d love to do it and the UFC have also told us previously that you never say never”.

Asked previously about Whittaker, Minns said: “Rob is an Australian legend.

“Amazing athlete, wonderful role model and one of nature’s gentlemen.”

Sunday’s UFC card boasts a host of Australian fighters, including Jimmy Crute, Jack Jenkins, Jake Matthews, Tom Nolan and rising bantamweight prospect Colby Thicknesse.

Both Volkanovski and Whittaker are also in town for the event, with the latter set to make his debut with the UFC broadcasting panel.