TKO Group’s UFC and Sphere Entertainment said today their Sept. 14 event, UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC, set a handful of records, including highest-grossing UFC event of all time and highest-grossing single event at Sphere, with a gate of $22 million and a sold-out crowd of 16,024.
UFC’s previous record holder was UFC 205: Alvarez Vs McGregor at Madison Square Garden in 2016 ($17.7 million). The event market the highest-grossing sponsorship sales for a UFC event and the first UFC event with a title partner (Riyadh Season); the highest-grossing merchandise sales and highest per cap for both a UFC and a Sphere event; and the highest-grossing UFC event for On Location VIP Experience packages.
About 89% of ticket buyers originated from markets outside of Nevada, one of the highest ever for out-of-town ticket sales for both a UFC and Sphere event, “reaffirming UFC’s power as a live event attraction and tourism draw for the cities that host its events,” the announcement said.
The event celebrated Mexican Independence Day weekend and served as a tribute to the Mexican people and culture, as well as their contributions to combat sports.
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