The build-up to ‘Noche UFC’ at ‘The Sphere’ on September 14 is in full swing but fight fans aren’t happy with the UFC and boss Dana White’s ticket prices! The event will mark the second time the promotion is hosting a UFC event in honor of Mexican Independence Day. It has also gained a new sponsor, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. Now officially named ‘Riyadh Season Noche UFC’, the sponsorship has added even more prestige to the event.

The UFC head honcho is confident about the success of the card as he has previously stated, “It won’t be the greatest UFC event of all time. It will be the greatest sporting event of all time.” The Noche UFC card will feature ten thrilling fights. But according to the MMA fandom, even the once-in-a-lifetime event doesn’t exactly justify the ticket prices!

What are the ticket prices for Noche UFC Sphere? 

In a recent announcement, Dana White revealed that the upcoming ‘Noche UFC’ card will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight between Sean O’Malley and what could be his toughest test in the division so far, Merab Dvalishvili.  The co-main event features the highly-anticipated trilogy bout between women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and  Valentina Shevchenko.

But, the ticket prices for the event haven’t sat well with the MMA fandom in a recent post on Reddit, a user highlighted that according to Vivid Seats, the prices for the event range from around $2,592 to $ 16,628! Dynamic pricing, which adjusts prices based on demand, is also in effect. This means prices can rise as demand increases and supply decreases.

‘The Sphere’ can accommodate around 20,000 people, with the promotion also planning for standing-room-only tickets on the floor of the venue. This setup is unlike any previous UFC event. The Octagon is positioned at one end of the arena, similar to a theater stage, with limited seating behind it. Despite the promise of a one-of-a-kind experience, the fans have come out to blast the UFC and boss Dana White for the ticket prices, here’s a look at what they had to say.

Fans come out to blast UFC and CEO Dana White for ‘Noche UFC Sphere’ ticket prices

Other than the two title fights mentioned before, one fan indicated that the rest of the card isn’t something that excites them. While names like Diego Lopes, Brian Ortega, Irene Aldana, and rising young star, Raul Rosas Jr. will all be fighting at ‘The Sphere’, the fandom isn’t on-board with the high prices.

“I get the experience of the fights in the sphere could be a one and done but the card doesn’t justify the seat prices for me”

One fan humorously claims that it’d be way easier and “cheaper” to lace up the gloves themselves and step into the Octagon for a fight at the Sphere instead of trying to get a ticket.

“At this point, it’s cheaper to just be a fighter and get booked”

In a report shared by MMA Junkie, it was highlighted that the most expensive ticket prices for ‘Noche UFC’ at “The Sphere’ were higher than that of the historic UFC 300 card. UFC 205 which featured Conor McGregor taking on Eddie Alvarez currently holds the record with a $17,700,000 gate, and so, one fan pointed out that ‘Noche UFC’ may be an attempt by the company to break their previous record with these ticket prices.

“Nice job by Dana and the boys putting together a banger of a show that takes in all that money. Mission success.”

However, many were left concerned that the hype surrounding the event may lead to even more disappointment if the event does not live up the expectations. So far, other than the announcement of the card or the event, there aren’t any additional details available about what the UFC and Dana White have got in store for the “spectacle” which was mentioned by another fan.

“any ideas of what Dana has up his sleeve that makes this the greatest spectacle in sports. i fear its not going to live up to the high expectations”

A fan expanded upon the fact that a prelim fighter on a $9,000/$9,000 show and win contract would be able to get paid if only 3 members of the audience bought a ticket. As such, with the entire card expected to be sold out, the exorbitant ticket prices have seemingly rubbed the fandom the wrong way

“If me and 3 buddies go and pay $6k each for tickets, we’ve just paid a prelim fighters show and win money.”

The fact that the cost of one of the lower-end tickets will get you a 2-week vacation to a destination of your choosing didn’t escape a fan’s notice either.

“Starting at 2600? You could get a round trip to most places in the world and stay there for 2 weeks with that money.”

To wrap things up, despite the UFC’s and Dana White’s already considerable investment and the unique setup at The Sphere, many fans feel that the cost is unjustifiable. The reactions online indicate widespread discontent. While the spectacle promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience, for now, the high ticket prices remain a contentious issue. What are your thoughts on the ticket prices for ‘Noche UFC’ at ‘The Sphere’? Do you agree with the fan sentiments? Let us know in the comments below!