Intro
One of the things I love about being involved in the combat sports industry is that, very much like life, it is ever changing. If you can set your watch to anything, it’s that this year won’t be the same as last.
The 2025/26 year has been one of continued growth in the profile of this sport and the industry as a whole, both locally and at an international level.
I’ve continued to be impressed by the high level our athletes aspire to – whether they are professional, amateur or weekend warriors – and their commitment to do their best while helping keep everyone safe.
The Commission has observed continued government support for major combat sports events, which has contributed to steady sector development. This support provides benefits for participants and audiences and contributes positively to broader tourism and economic activity. The profile of combat sports has continued to grow over the past year. AusPlay reports an overall increase in the participation in organised sport, of which we are proudly happy to claim some part. Across the board this points to expanding gym memberships and increasing youth participation. Larger live audiences and greater broadcast exposure have meant greater coverage and engagement. For example, MMA-based programs combining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and wrestling are now more common in gyms than a decade or perhaps even 5 years ago.
In September 2025, Perth hosted its first-ever UFC Fight Night, headlined by Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes. It was the only event of this kind held in Australia last year and was broadcast to more than 170 countries and an estimated audience of 950 million households. Then in May 2026, Perth UFC champion Jack Della Maddalena was the main event in front of a home crowd but unfortunately lost to Brazilian Carlos Prates. Also on the bill were locals Steve Erceg and Quillan Salkilld. Both events helped drive engagement, tourism and promoted the sport here and overseas.
Local officials gained valuable experience working and observing a world-class event on home ground. Results aside, the cards featuring homegrown talent prove once again that WA can mix it up with the best – which bodes well for a strong future for our industry and the combat sports community.
The Commission continues to be committed to the health and safety of competitors and the integrity of rules and regulations which govern events. The introduction of the Hard Bout Card in 2025 strengthened existing safety protocols and has been positively received by industry participants.
We’ve done plenty of work in the safety space this year, including the creation of Critical Incident Response Guidelines, enhancements to registration processes, including strengthened guardian information requirements and a refresh of the Code of Conduct to ensure continued alignment with contemporary integrity standards.
From the start of 2026 concussion training became mandatory for contestants and industry participants. This is another important step in helping keep our community safe, providing education to recognise, manage and respond to potential concussions.
I attended the second annual Australian Combat Sports Regulatory Network meeting in Sydney. Not only was it good to continue sharing and swapping information with other jurisdictions, but on-going discussions on hot button issues for the industry prove that more heads are better than one. It reinforced the value of continued cross jurisdictional collaboration and maintaining strong alignment with broader government priorities. Attending a couple of local events gave us a ringside look at how other states run and manage cards.
On the local front, the Commission has been impressed by the increased level of professionalism and attention to detail at local promotions and events over the year.
Muay Thai has been a significant part of the growth in Western Australia over the last 12 months with local bouts drawing greater numbers of interstate and international athletes.
The Commission’s continued effectiveness reflects the collective contribution of its members and staff. Appreciation is extended to the CSC team and my fellow commissioners, with particular acknowledgement to Executive Manager Antoni Grover, whose leadership has fostered a collaborative team while maintaining a strong focus on delivering for the combat sports community.
Thank you to Deanne Heeley and Charlie Ward for their work while with the commission. The commission welcomes Mia Higginson to the office.
We’ve been working with Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) Director General Chad Anderson since his appointment in August and look forward to deepening this relationship.
A further acknowledgement is extended to Minister Rita Saffioti MLA and her staff for their ongoing support and constructive engagement throughout the year.
The Commission recognises the valued contributions of outgoing members, Dr Brian Galton-Fenzi and Renée Felton, whose long standing service, knowledge and commitment have greatly supported the Commission’s work and the development of combat sports in Western Australia. We wish them the best with future endeavours. The Commission also welcomes new commissioner Fiona Iredale, whose extensive experience as an Olympian, physiologist, exercise scientist and governance leader will continue to strengthen the Commission’s work.
The knowledge, experience and commitment of athletes, coaches, officials, promoters and volunteers help shape better policies and stronger outcomes for the industry. When we work hand in glove with community, initiatives are more practical, inclusive and effective. The result is a safer environment where participants can train, compete and thrive with confidence.
We look forward to supporting our community further over the coming year.
Hon. Bob Kucera AM APM JPCommission Chair