Australian UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski is fully behind the NRL’s Las Vegas experiment, saying he is confident the American public will take to the sport of rugby league.
This year marks the third straight season of the NRL being in Vegas, with the Bulldogs facing the Dragons and the Knights taking on the Cowboys on Sunday.
Volkanovski, the current UFC Featherweight Champion, is also a big St George Illawarra fan and admits he’s spewing he isn’t over there for the game.
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Alexander Volkanovski fighting in Las Vegas. Â Zuffa LLC
“I’ll definitely be watching. Unfortunately I can’t be over there, you know, I was looking forward to getting over there and watching it, I thought I might be able to do it, just couldn’t couldn’t get that done, but I’ll be definitely watching,” Volkanovski told Wide World of Sports.
The 37-year-old has had four high profile fights in Las Vegas and knows the sporting atmosphere of the city well.
Volkanovski believes it is the perfect place for the NRL to attempt to grow the code internationally.
“If you’re going to try and build it in America, I think Vegas is definitely the place to go and do that,” he said.
“You’ve got people from all over the States or even all over the world that are usually in Vegas, you know what I mean?
“So I think it’s a good way to sort of branch out, given the people watching.
“So I think a very, very good start and each year you see them top the last.
“This year, from what I’ve seen as well, it looks like there’s a lot of hype over there and it looks pretty cool.”
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Clint Gutherson of the Dragons greets fans during a NRL fan event at the Freemont Street Experience. Getty
The UFC great believes the key is simply getting fans through the door and packing out Allegiant Stadium. Even if that means handing out a few free tickets.
“I just think it’s all about getting people to watch, it’s a tricky one,” Volkanovski said.
“All they need to do is see it, you know what I mean? I think once they see it, it ain’t gonna be a hard sell.
“It’s just getting the eyes on it. I think anyone would appreciate the sport of rugby league, especially over there in America.
Alexander Volkanovski takes a photo with a fan at The Prince Alfred Hotel in Victoria. Â Supplied
“I think it’s a sport that could definitely grow in America. It’s just finding ways to get people to watch. Even if you have to give away some free tickets to get people into the seats and get a good atmosphere.
“You need that atmosphere. Just make sure people over there are watching. If people do watch, they’ll probably be hooked as soon as they watch.”
Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders in the NRL, has a capacity of 65,000.
Last year, the NRL brought 45,209 people through the gates, up from 40,746 in 2024.
Alexander Volkanovski takes a photo with fans at The Prince Alfred Hotel in Victoria. Â Supplied
Volkanovski on Saturday was in Victoria at the Prince Alfred Hotel as Tyro Payments puts $20,000 through the venue’s tills, as part of their initiative to support local venues.
“Everyone’s always excited when there’s free beer,” he said from the event.
“I haven’t done too much after my fight. It’s good to not only give back to them in that sense, but you’ve got them through $20,000 behind the bar, which is pretty cool.
“It’s a good way to give back to the small businesses like the Prince Alfred and enjoy a few free drinks.”