Australia's first UFC world champion middleweight Robert Whittaker was in Perth with rival Luke Rockhold ahead of their February title fight.
Australia's first UFC world title holder Robert Whittaker will need an early wake-up call as he takes part in a 7am bout to defend his belt early next year.
Following the abdication of his Canadian rival George St-Pierre due to injury on Friday, Whittaker was elevated from interim champion to undisputed world titleholder.
He faces his first challenger, former champion Luke Rockhold, in the first bout in Perth on February 11 at 7am to suit a US pay-per-view TV audience.
Sydney's Tyson Pedro will face Russia's Saparkbek Safarov in the light heavyweight division while Brazilian Jussier Formiga will take on Brisbane's Ben Nguyen in the flyweight.
It is the first time Perth will host a UFC event after the McGowan government lifted a ban on cage fighting.
Fresh from altitude training, the New Zealand born turned Sydneysider traded friendly barbs with Californian Rockhold in Perth on Tuesday.
Whittaker suggested Rockhold start training with sharks before meeting him in the arena.
"I've got some tips from Mick Fanning," Rockhold quipped.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said he expects about 14,000 fans, 8000 from interstate, to attend the fight and be broadcast .
The pair struck poses to promote the WA-government sponsored event, which Papalia says will inject about $7.25 million into the WA economy.
The McGowan government has not revealed the amount paid by taxpayers to bring the event to WA.
