In a bold defense of New South Wales’ $10.5 million deal with UFC for three events, Premier Chris Minns drew an unexpected parallel between combat sports and classical arts.
Dana White previously lashed out at the Australian media after UFC 312, slamming their criticism of Sean Strickland and calling them overly sensitive. White took particular issue with The Daily Telegraph labeling Strickland the “UFC’s biggest imbecile” and advocating for his knockout. He mocked the local press, comparing them unfavorably to the toughness of Australia’s environment, calling them the “biggest p*ssies” he’s ever seen in media. White also ridiculed a journalist who claimed feeling physically sick after seeing him on a podcast with the NSW premier. While defending free speech, White contrasted Australian media’s perceived weakness with his own stance, reinforcing his belief that criticism shouldn’t dictate consequences.
Speaking about the controversial agreement, Minns highlighted that Sydney annually invests approximately $46 million in traditional cultural offerings. “We spend about $70 million a year on art, installations, classical music, the ballet,” Minns stated. “And I’m not knocking that. I think that’s important for a city like Sydney.”
The Premier then presented his key argument: “The point I’d make is that there’s millions of people that live in Sydney that don’t have a big interest in those classical arts, but do like mixed martial arts. And I think it’s reasonable that we would say, well, for all those taxpayers, there should be something available for them as well.”
Minns emphasized the economic benefits of the partnership, pointing to the packed arena during recent events. “Dollars invested in UFC are far better investments in terms of your return than pretty much anything else we can put money into,” he explained.
The Premier’s comparison between ballet and UFC has sparked discussions across social media platforms, with supporters praising his inclusive approach to public entertainment funding, while critics question the equivalence drawn between traditional arts and combat sports.
Despite facing criticism, including from local media outlets, Minns remained firm in his stance: “I understand people want us to walk away from our deal with the UFC, but we’re not going to.”
