UFC Fight Night Ulberg vs Reyes: Perth Weigh-In Highlights

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company, founded in 1993 by Art Davie, Rorion Gracie, and Bob Meyrowitz. Initially conceived as an experimental event to determine the most effective martial art in real combat, the UFC has evolved into a global sports phenomenon. The first event, UFC 1, was held in Denver, Colorado, and featured a single-elimination tournament with minimal rules, won by Royce Gracie, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner[1][2][3]. ### History and Evolution In its early years, the UFC faced criticism for its brutality, leading to the introduction of stricter rules and safety measures. By the late 1990s, weight classes and prohibited techniques were implemented, and the Unified Rules of MMA were adopted around 2000, significantly enhancing the sport's legitimacy[2][4]. The UFC's financial struggles in the early 2000s were alleviated when the Fertitta brothers and Dana White purchased the company in 2001. Their leadership transformed the UFC into a mainstream success, notably through the reality TV show "The Ultimate Fighter," which aired in 2005[4]. ### Key Achievements and Current Status The UFC has made several strategic acquisitions, including Pride Fighting Championships in 2007 and Strikeforce in 2011, solidifying its position as the premier MMA promotion[1]. Today, the UFC operates across multiple continents, hosting events in various countries and featuring top fighters like Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre. The organization has expanded to include 12 weight divisions for men and women, reflecting its growth and diversification[5]. ### Notable Aspects The UFC is recognized for its innovative approach to sports marketing and its ability to integrate technology into its events, enhancing fan engagement and broadcast quality. Its global reach and popularity have made it a significant player in the sports industry, attracting millions of fans

RAC Arena, officially opened in November 2012 in Perth, Western Australia, is a premier multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venue with a seating capacity of up to 15,500 depending on the event type[1][2][5]. It was developed to revitalize an old area within Perth’s central business district and replace the city's previous lack of a major indoor arena since the closure of the Perth Entertainment Centre[1][5]. The arena is known for its neofuturistic architectural design inspired by Western Australia's cultural landmarks, such as the 1829 Round House and the Eternity Puzzle, giving it a distinctive 12-sided shape with nine unique façades that present different faces from every angle[4]. RAC Arena hosts a wide array of events including basketball (home to the NBL champions Perth Wildcats), netball (home to West Coast Fever), tennis (including the United Cup), concerts featuring world-renowned artists, comedy shows, and family entertainment[1][2][3]. The venue’s state-of-the-art acoustic design is internationally recognized, making it one of the leading concert venues globally[1]. It features a retractable roof that opens in seven minutes, allowing natural light to flood the arena, enhancing the spectator experience[5]. Since its inception, RAC Arena has achieved significant milestones, including setting all-time attendance records for the National Basketball League in 2019 and Australian domestic netball in 2018, highlighting its importance as a sports and entertainment hub in Australia[2]. The arena also boasts modern amenities such as a 680-bay car park, multiple function rooms, a café, and a bar, ensuring a comprehensive visitor experience beyond events[1]. Operated by Legends Global on behalf of VenuesWest and owned by the Western Australian government, RAC Arena represents a $550 million investment into Perth’s urban renewal and cultural infrastructure[2][5]. The arena’s strategic location in the Perth CBD makes it highly accessible vi