Mixed martial arts fans in the UK were stunned to learn the UFC 304 start time.
MMA’s leading promotion officially announced its long-awaited return to the UK on Wednesday afternoon.
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The UFC will touch down in Manchester on July 27th for its second UK pay-per-view in as many years.
UFC 304 will take place on the brand new COOPERATIVE Live Arena, with capacity for 23,500 fans.
Fans in attendance and those watching at home, however, are in for an incredibly late night.
That’s because the first fight on the card – which should be full of British talent – will start at 11pm.
And the main card will start with an eye drop 3 AMmuch to the disappointment of many UK fight fans.
One wrote on X: “There’s no point bringing the UFC back to the UK if the prelims start at 11pm and the main card at 3am.
“It’s better to keep the 304 in Las Vegas.”
Another said: “UFC 304, live from Manchester. Main card starts at 3am.
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“The best thing is to have the two English champions on the card. Imagine that it will also be PPV on TNT.”
And another said: “A 3am main card in England It’s fucking ridiculous. What’s the point?”
One commented: “A main card starting at 3am to please the US is more than a slap in the face, it’s more like a kick in the balls.”
Another added: “This is the most disrespectful thing the UFC has ever done.
“You put the two UK champions on the card and make the UK fans the ones who have to stay up all night.”
Another disappointed Brit said: “UFC 304 for UK fans is pointless; It could very well have been in Las Vegas or anywhere in the USA.”
Fan criticism aside, UFC president and CEO Dana White is enjoying the promotion’s return to the UK.
“I’m really excited to be back in Manchester,” said the veteran promoter. “And there is no better time than this summer.
“We have two UK champions and fans are dying to see a UFC PPV event.
“So we arrived at the biggest indoor arena in the UK. See you soon, England!”
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The UFC likely pushed back the start time of the event so that American audiences could purchase the pay-per-view.
This is not surprising given the fact that it is a North American-based company and the majority of its pay-per-views come from that region.
The UFC had the same start time on its last visit to Manchester in October 2016.
That card – UFC 204 – was headlined by local hero Michael Bisping, who survived a knockdown to defend his middleweight title against Dan Henderson.
Bisping and Henderson’s epic main event – which had plenty of excitement and excitement – began at 4:50.
And British fighting icon Bisping – the UK’s first UFC champion – raised his hand at 5.30am before being immediately transported to hospital.
SunSport has contacted the UFC for comment on the event’s start time.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
