UFC Edmonton has set a new benchmark for Dana White and his team, generating an impressive $2.6 million in ticket sales. This extraordinary revenue has been confirmed by reliable sources and marks the event as a monumental success for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Dana White even shared a video highlighting that this event is now their greatest-ever achievement in North America.
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What Were the Key Highlights of UFC Edmonton?
Held at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, UFC Edmonton featured thirteen exciting fights, with the bout between Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi taking center stage. This marked the second visit of the Dana White-led promotion to Edmonton since 2019, and the event drew over 16,000 enthusiastic fans, as reported by UFC insider Jed I. Goodman.
Goodman tweeted that UFC Edmonton recorded a gate of $2.6 million with an announced attendance of 16,439. This figure surpasses the previously announced gates from other North American venues, including Denver, Louisville, and St. Louis. Specifically, UFC Denver had a gate of $2,374,303, while Louisville and St. Louis reported $2,500,652 and $2,470,197, respectively.
How Did Dana White React to the Record-Breaking Event?
Dana White took to Instagram to celebrate the record-setting gate, stating, “I’m in Edmonton, Canada, right now. So tomorrow night’s fight night breaks the record for North American gate for a Fight Night.” This triumphant event coincides with David Shaw’s confirmation that the UFC Apex will be closing next month, a move that has been speculated since early 2024. This shift could lead the UFC to host more events on the road, potentially breaking even more records.
What Does This Mean for the Future of UFC?
While UFC Edmonton has achieved record-breaking status in North America, it’s essential to note that other UFC Fight Nights outside of North America have generated higher revenue. For instance, UFC Paris recorded an astounding gate of $4 million with an attendance of 15,449. This reality may explain the UFC’s current focus on penetrating the European market for future events, particularly in Spain.
Dana White Sets His Sights on the European Market
Following UFC 308, where Ilia Topuria made history by knocking out Max Holloway, Dana White expressed urgency about expanding into Spain. Topuria’s remarkable performance has bolstered the UFC’s strategy for growth in Europe, leading White to state, “We’re still trying to figure out Spain with the arena situation. But when you look at the performance that Topuria had tonight, we need to get to Spain and figure it out quickly.”
White further elaborated, “We have to get it done. We have to figure this out. I hate going to soccer stadiums. I like arenas better, but if that’s what we gotta do, then that’s what we gotta do. But yes, we need to get to Spain.”
Will UFC Events Expand to More European Nations?
An event in a stadium could align with Topuria’s aspirations, as he aims to defend his featherweight title at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, it will ultimately be up to Dana White and Spanish officials to determine whether this vision will materialize. As fans eagerly await developments, the question remains: will we soon see UFC events hosted in more European countries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQ Section
1. What was the total revenue generated at UFC Edmonton?
UFC Edmonton generated a remarkable $2.6 million in ticket sales.
2. Who was the main fight at UFC Edmonton?
The main event featured Brandon Moreno against Amir Albazi.
3. How does UFC Edmonton’s revenue compare to other events?
UFC Edmonton’s $2.6 million gate surpasses previous records set in Denver, Louisville, and St. Louis.
4. What future plans does Dana White have for UFC in Europe?
Dana White aims to expand UFC events to Spain, focusing on potential stadium events to capture the growing European market.
5. Why is the UFC focusing on Europe now?
The UFC’s interest in Europe is driven by lucrative gate revenues from recent events, such as UFC Paris, which earned $4 million.
