UFC President Dana White recently made a significant announcement that has fight fans buzzing with excitement. After years of hosting events primarily at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, the promotion is gearing up to hit the road more frequently in 2024. Let’s dive into the details.
The UFC Apex Era
The UFC Apex, a state-of-the-art facility in Las Vegas, became the go-to venue for the promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed the UFC to continue hosting events while adhering to safety protocols and minimizing costs. However, fans and fighters alike have been eagerly awaiting a return to live events in various cities around the world.
At UFC on ESPN 56, held at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, something remarkable happened. The event shattered the all-time UFC Fight Night gate record, pulling in an impressive $2,470,197 in ticket sales. Fans flooded the arena, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of pay-per-view events.
Dana White’s Vision
Dana White, the driving force behind the UFC’s success, emphasized the importance of taking the sport beyond the confines of Las Vegas. He stated, “We built this business to take it to every city all over the world.” White’s vision has always been to showcase MMA talent in diverse locations, connecting with fans globally.
In the early days of the UFC, events were held in various cities, not just the major hubs. White reminisced about those times when fighters competed in Atlantic City, New York, Los Angeles, and other locales. Now, with the pandemic gradually easing, the UFC aims to recapture that spirit by organizing more roadshows.
Dana White says UFC plans to hit road more in 2024: 'We've got to get out of the Apex' #UFCStLouis https://t.co/8tD1wTvvxa
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 12, 2024
The 2024 Roadshow Plan
White confirmed that 2024 will be the year of increased roadshows. While the UFC Apex served its purpose during challenging times, the promotion is ready to spread its wings once again. Expect to see events in cities across the United States and beyond.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, fans can anticipate a fresh lineup of exciting matchups. Dana White has already announced headliners for early 2024, including Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria, and Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera. These fights, combined with the return to live audiences, promise an unforgettable year for MMA enthusiasts.
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