They don’t want the event on council-owned premises and believe the city’s support for the controversial sport would endorse an inappropriate message to the community.

Since cage fighting was banned in Victoria, promoters of the sport have been looking to interstate venues as an alternative.

Albury general manager Frank Zaknich confirmed the council had been informally approached regarding a “boxing night” but had since learnt the intended event was cage fighting.

The proposal was rejected by the council because the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre isn’t equipped to host the sport and there would be a significant effect on the basketball court surfaces.

However, among almost half the councillors, the event itself has been rejected and variously described as “repugnant”, “brutal” and an endorsement of violence.

The council might not be able to stop cage fighting if organisers found another Albury venue but the councillors have made their opinions of the sport crystal clear.