Congratulations, you’ve made it to the last main UFC card of the year. What a big twelve months it’s been, we’ve seen legends fall, underdogs rise up and enough last minute fighter changes to last the next decade. But as we all crawl our way to the finish line of 2023 (just us.. or?), we’re ready to go out with a bang at UFC 296.
Personally, we think UFC 296 is worthy of a round of ice cold beers for you and your mates. To celebrate the end of the year of course, but to also watch a handful of major title fights unfold in front of our eyes.
There’s the return of a UFC legend to the octagon, it’ll be Colby Covington’s first trip inside an Octagon in more than 21 months. While Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval will battle it out in a rematch, a little over two years after they first met.
All our eyes will be on the big screen, riding every punch, kick, take down and everything else in between. The best spot will be front and centre, at your local pub, after all, it’s Christmas, you deserve to enjoy yourself.
Here are the best spots to catch all the action.
The Sandy, VIC
Welcome to The Sandy, one of the best sport-watching destinations in the south. The prime position overlooking Port Phillip Bay is just one of the perks, enter the Front Bar and you’ll understand the appeal.
This place is home to a huge selection of ice cold beer on tap, perfect for every taste (even the mate who is really picky about his craft preferences). The big screens light up the room, and if you’re lucky, the sunset will provide the perfect backdrop to an afternoon at your local.
The Saint George Hotel, WA
If you find yourself in Innaloo, head to The Saint, the locals will point you in the right direction.
Host to one of West Australia’s premier sports bars and beer gardens, you’ve got everything you need for UFC 296 right here. Seriously, if the sun is shining, you won’t find a better spot to soak in the rays. Bring your mates and set yourself up early, this one is going to go off.
Huge TV screens ready to catch all the action, lounges and everything else you need to make you as comfortable as possible. Step foot inside, and you’ll understand why the locals keep coming back.
The Ramsgate Hotel, SA
Loved by the locals for decades, The Rammy is one of the best places in all of Adelaide to stop in for a drink and to catch all the live UFC action on the big screen. Boasting a beer garden with heaps of seating and room for all of your mates. Plenty of options pouring on tap there is something for everyone here. A huge LED screen plus sectioned booths complete with personal controls (for those who like a bit more privacy), this pub has something for everyone.
The crowd here love a celebration in the beer garden, and we’re expecting nothing less for Edwards and Covington in UFC 296. Highly recommended you add this to your list as a must-visit.
The Gap Tavern, QLD
There’s something about an old favourite with a new lick of paint. The team at the Gap Tavern have welcomed a new look sports bar this year, and boy do we have some things to say about it. Huge screens, plenty of seating for you and the whole crew, a large selection of beer on tap, there isn’t a better place to get caught up
Forest Hotel, NSW
A sports lovers paradise, the sports bar at Forest Hotel might be one of the fanciest we’ve seen, but bare with us, it still does everything your regular sports bar should.
With screens across each wall, including a gigantic projector in the beer garden, you’ll have your work cut out trying to choose where to sit yourself (we’ll suggest heading outdoors on a good day).
A central bar makes it easy to grab a drink when you need one, and the 46 taps makes sure they’ve got something for everyone (even the mate who claims he can only drink craft). Check it out for yourself if you’re in the area this Sunday.
Anything else I should know about UFC 293?
Apart from the fact that UFC 293 is going to be massive, there is some quality Australian talent in action from early on in the day, so make sure you get in early at your local to catch the likes of Jamie Mullarkey, Jack Jenkins, Tyson Pedro and Tai Tuivasa.
The main card between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland will be huge, don’t miss the two going head to head for the middleweight title.
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