The UFC is breaking records seemingly at every turn, but the promotion will do something about it UFC 303 This is far from inconsequential.
The organization is set to make its first $20 million-plus live gate for the June 29 event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which is headlined by the highly anticipated return of Conor McGregorwho faces Michael Chandler in a welterweight fight.
After expensive ticket prices for the card were recently revealed and seats went on sale, there was speculation that UFC 303 would surpass the current all-time UFC live gate record of $17.7 million at UFC 205 in November 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
It is no coincidence that the event was also headlined by McGregor, who won the lightweight belt from Eddie Alvarez by knockout in the second round. Now “The Notorious” is ready to return to action after a layoff of nearly three years, and UFC CEO Dana White confirmed on Saturday that the numbers are already astronomical.
“It’s already over $20 million,” White told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 56 post-fight press conference in St. Louis.
While there have been several $20 million gates throughout boxing history, UFC 303 will mark a first for the sport of MMA. Longtime boxing promoter and former Showtime executive Stephen Espinoza criticized White and the UFC for never reaching that point in September, and despite now crossing it off the list, the UFC chief said there is no reason to gratification for this particular dig.
“Who cares what Espinoza thinks?” White said. “Where is Espinosa? Yes (he is unemployed).
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 303.
