The UFC fans are up in arms over the recent reports of ticket prices for Conor McGregor’s return! The Irishman is set to make his comeback at UFC 303 on June 29 against Michael Chandler. ‘The Notorious’ has been away from competition ever since suffering a horrific leg injury in his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.
However, amidst the fervor surrounding McGregor’s comeback, there’s also a growing sense of frustration among fans regarding the ticket prices for the event. According to a post shared on Instagram on ESPN MMA, it was revealed that “The lowest ticket price for McGregor vs. Chandler is nearly double the lowest ticket sold from his last fight against Dustin Poirier and UFC 300 in April.”
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And in the image shared with the update, it states that $1,014 is the lowest ticket price available for UFC 303 which is a significant increase from $538, which was the lowest ticket price sold for the Irishman’s last Octagon appearance at UFC 264. It’s also interesting to note that UFC 264 gathered a revenue of $ 15, 759, 800 at T-Mobile Arena, setting the mark for the fourth-highest live gate in the history of the UFC.
As such, the steep cost of admission has left some fans feeling priced out of the opportunity to witness McGregor’s return firsthand, sparking a wave of discontent across social media. Here’s a look at what the fandom had to say.
Fans not pleased as Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 return ticket prices revealed online
Fans claimed that the recent UFC 300 event where CEO Dana White offered $300,000 performance bonuses for the fighters was a reason why the promotion has almost doubled the ticket prices for UFC 303 in an attempt to recoup their money.
“Gotta get those 300k bonuses back”
Other fans indicated their displeasure with the move as they pointed out that “real” fans of the sport, who enhance events with their energy and excitement at live events, will not be able to attend the event which will lead to a ‘dead’ atmosphere for Conor McGregor’s return.
“Literally pricing out the real fans, then blaming them when the arena atmosphere isn’t great”
Fans also weren’t pleased with the overall increase in UFC event tickets in recent years.
“Prices for ufc fights are ridiculous lately”
Many highlighted the fact that dishing out 1000 dollars for a UFC event is just not feasible.
“Your not a real fan for not buying a ticket” yeah okay 1k later”
Whereas others wondered who was the target audience with such a steep price being placed on one of the most anticipated UFC events of the year.
“How tf do people have money for this”
Fans also pointed out that the prices for the tickets are seemingly for the ‘nosebleed’ seats, which are located far away from the Octagon, and as such, dubbed the prices “insane.”
“1000 for nose bleeds is insane”
The fans also pointed out that NFL tickets are considerably cheaper than UFC tickets, despite MMA fighters making significantly less income than NFL stars, echoing the criticisms that have been labeled against the UFC in recent times for falling behind in athlete pay structures when compared to other major sports.
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“UFC tickets are more expensive than football tickets and yet fighters make way less money than football players”
Once again, the fans re-iterated their displeasure with the UFC as they pointed out that the promotion is raising ticket prices despite not reflecting the same in athlete compensation.
“Imagine raising ticket prices but not the bonuses for the athletes”
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As the debate over ticket prices continues to unfold, it underscores broader concerns within the MMA community about the UFC’s financial practices and its impact on both fans and fighters alike. Despite the undeniable allure of witnessing Conor McGregor’s comeback live, fans are voicing their frustration at what they perceive as unfair pricing practices by the UFC.
What are your thoughts on the situation and the ticket prices? Share them with us in the comments below!