Following the announcement of the venue and timings for UFC 304, the entire realm of combat sports was overjoyed. However, the excitement was short-lived. The timing for the fights has garnered quite a lot of attention and is receiving flak from all directions.
A poster revealed by UFC Europe declared that UFC 304 would take place in Manchester, England on 27th July 2024. The event will go down at the newly-opened Co-Op Live Arena and will be the first sporting event held there. But the worries begin with the event starting at almost midnight, shifting the main event even further, to 3:00 in the morning. Although 11 pm BST is 6 pm ET in the United States, things would indeed be harder for the fighters, as well as the home fans who would attend the event.
The fans have taken to social media and begun their revolt against Dana White over this US-favorable timing. In a viral video, released on X, a person who has an uncanny resemblance with the UFC CEO, is seen being assaulted by a mob in the subway. In fact, this clip has become a common meme the fans use when they are displeased with the UFC CEO.
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In the post on X, a viral clip proceeds after a fan-made quote attributed to White, explaining the announcement in layman’s terms. The quote read, “what is going on guys , we’re finally back #UFC304 in Manchester, England but you’re all going to have to still stay up all night and I’ll charge you all for the privilege.”
Dana White: "what is going on guys , we're finally back #UFC304 in Manchester, England but you're all going to have to still stay up all night and I'll charge you all for the privilege"
UK MMA fans : pic.twitter.com/1ychuy7Z8p
— 🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) April 24, 2024
Pulling all-nighters is difficult for normal humans. For combat sports athletes, it becomes even harder. With limited sleep, possible jet lag, and weight cuts, things could get real difficult for the fighters. The whole of the MMA world has expressed concerns over the abnormal timings and called for change.
Fans are not happy with Dana White over the schedule for UFC 304
As soon as the post was shared, fans from the world of mixed martial arts took over the comments section. One of the fans showed his concern claiming that, “the health of the fighters and ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE is more important than American convenience.”
Can we actually rally behind memes like this to try and get the times changed, this sucks for the fans and the fighters, I’d say the health of the fighters and ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE is more important than American convenience
— Finnb0b (@Ihaveopinions54) April 24, 2024
Another fan enquired whether the video was fake. But soon, was comically responded with it being an encounter involving the UFC fans and the CEO.
😂😂😂 what do you mean ? It's simply angry UFC fans having an encounter with uncle Dana 😅😅
— 🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) April 24, 2024
Moreover, fans also commented that people would still pay for the tickets and watch the fights, even though everyone was seemingly worried about the prices. Undeniably, people can go to extreme lengths to show support for their favorite athletes. In the realm of mixed martial arts, this love is often reflected in the houseful arena during events. But the fans’ scorning the expensive tickets is clearly visible. Another reason for fans willing to buy the PPV tickets could be the possible fights between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, as well as Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall.
What’s funny is that it’s actually not true 😭 everyone is still gonna pay and they’re gonna like it because it’s what’s happening
— Art Of Aljo (Kolten) (@Aljo_Is_Art) April 24, 2024
Either way ticket master fucks us all
— Deep (@deep_645) April 24, 2024
A fan then shared a funny script, envisioning White and free coffee. Evidently, fans are not happy with the business-minded approach the promotion is taking.
Dana: “The good news is that there will be free coffee for everyone in attendance. Nah, I’m just kidding. The coffee will still cost 8 quid.
— DarrenM (@alternatemma) April 25, 2024
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One of the fans claimed that he was indeed “looking forward to some early morning violence”, after giving credit to ESPN’s scheduling.
ESPN scheduling strikes again. Smh.
I was looking forward to some early morning violence
— MMA By Milikin (@mmabymilikin) April 24, 2024
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A few others attached a worried visual of Dana White, depicting that’s how he would react if he saw the clip. Previously, the events began with local time in mind, without catering the fights specifically for the US market.
But the excitement of the fights prevails. Whatever the case, the palpitation for UFC Manchester is phenomenal. What are your thoughts on the timings and venue? Do you think UFC 304 is going to be crazy expensive? Let us know in the comments down below.