As 2024 draws to a close and we prepare to step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year’s most memorable moments in MMA. True to its reputation, the UFC delivered one blockbuster event after another, keeping fans captivated with stacked fight cards and unforgettable performances. UFC boss Dana White‘s vision and tireless efforts significantly contributed to this success, transforming the promotion into a global powerhouse. In 2024, the UFC reached a remarkable milestone, generating a reported $1 billion in revenue and proving once again why it remains the pinnacle of combat sports.

But as the saying goes, greatness comes at a price—literally. Former middleweight contender Yoel Romero once humorously yet accurately remarked, “The people pay; the people wanna say… I know the people pay.” Indeed, MMA fans dug deep into their wallets to experience the action, whether through pricey Pay-Per-View events or live gate tickets. Now, as the year winds down, let’s revisit the top five UFC events that not only delivered unforgettable moments but also came with the heftiest price tags. Without further ado, here’s a look at the events that made the biggest dent in fans’ pockets in 2024.

1. UFC 299: Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera

UFC 299 took place in March, in Miami with an exceptional lineup featuring fighters like Sean O’Malley—considered by many to be the next Conor McGregor—facing Marlon Vera, and Dustin Poirier battling Benoit Saint-Denis in the headlining matchups, defined the event. Co-headlining the event were other major bouts, including Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page and Gilbert Burns vs. Jack Della Maddalena.

With such a star-studded roster, it’s no surprise that ticket prices were through the roof. But did it justify a ticket costing $23,310? Yes, you read that right! Ticket prices for the event started at a relatively affordable $332 for seats in the upper and middle zones. However, as the fight card heated up, prices surged to $1,441. The pricing scale varied greatly, with the most expensive seats, such as those in the premium F7 section, priced at an eye-watering $23,310.

Other sections, like F8 and F9, ranged between $9,563 and $16,967. Despite some media outlets labeling the event’s tickets as “affordable,” these sky-high prices nonetheless secured UFC 299, a spot among the top 5 events with the highest ticket prices in 2024.

2. UFC 300: Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill

UFC 300 marked a significant milestone in the promotion’s remarkable three-decade journey, and there was no way UFC and Dana White were going to miss the opportunity to make the T-Mobile Arena event a success. In fact, they seized the chance with both hands. The promotion and matchmakers meticulously crafted the fight card, almost as if they were baking a cake.

Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan served as the co-main event, forming the solid base of the cake, while the headline showdown between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill added the perfect layer of icing. Moreover, the BMF title fight between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje was the cherry on top. With a lineup like this, the ticket prices could easily be justified—though how much can you really justify?

With triple the excitement to celebrate the UFC’s three-decade-long journey, White surely wasn’t going to shy away from charging premium prices. According to reports from SeatGeek and Forbes, the cheapest tickets started at $700 (upper bowl). The average ticket price sat around $1,304, with lower bowl seats priced between $1,250 and $2,500. However, ringside seats skyrocketed to a whole new level.

3. UFC 303: Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka (Formerly Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler)

UFC 303 undoubtedly earned its spot among the highest-priced events, featuring a long-awaited showdown that every fight fan had been eagerly anticipating: the return of UFC megastar Conor McGregor. After being sidelined for over three years, unfortunate setbacks had derailed the Irishman’s multiple attempts to return to the Octagon. Just days before the fight, ‘The Notorious’ suffered a toe injury, forcing him to withdraw.

However, by that time, ticket prices had already soared to premium levels, fueled by the immense excitement surrounding McGregor’s potential return. The event quickly became one of the hottest tickets of the year, with prices ranging from $1,740 to $14,500. This came as no surprise, as the Irishman is a known draw, having famously coined the phrase “Red P-nty Night” to describe the buzz his presence generates.

Despite McGregor’s withdrawal, the event continued as planned, with Alex Pereira stepping in on short notice to headline against Jiri Prochazka. ‘Poatan’ gave a standout performance, ensuring the event’s success and earning widespread praise. His efforts sparked a growing belief that he could become the UFC’s “next face.”

4. UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Conor McGregor may not have made his long-awaited return this year, but UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones certainly lived up to the high expectations of fight fans with his much-anticipated title defense. This highly awaited clash was a year in the making, delayed due to an injury, but ‘Bones’ finally stepped back into the Octagon to defend his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic.

Fans were eager to witness the showdown and didn’t hesitate to shell out for tickets. Prices for this historic event started at $469 and skyrocketed to as high as $11,419. The event’s location—Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena—certainly contributed to the price increase. With a capacity of 19,500, the venue added an extra layer of prestige to the event. In fact, this fight set a new milestone in UFC history, ranking as the fourth-largest live gate, generating an impressive $16,673,954.

5. UFC 306: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili/ Riyadh Season Noche UFC

UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche, topped the list of the highest UFC ticket prices for 2024. Labeled as a “one-and-done” by Dana White, this event broke away from traditional MMA venues and took place in the Sphere, a $2.3 billion, state-of-the-art marvel in Las Vegas. The UFC’s use of the venue marked its most expensive production to date, with costs exceeding $20 million. The venue featured a massive 160,000-square-foot screen that encircled the space, offering fans an immersive visual experience. This cutting-edge technology attracted fans willing to pay a premium to witness the fight in person rather than watching online.

Despite the event’s “lackluster” fight card, observers still deemed it the most expensive UFC event on record. The event priced basic tickets at $803, and premium tickets in Section 101, Row 36, reached $5,464. Yet, fans were unfazed by the high prices, and the event went on to smash gate revenue records, surpassing the $17.7 million record set in 2016 by UFC 205. UFC 306 sold 16,000 tickets, generating a staggering $22 million and breaking all previous records.

With the list now complete, what’s your perspective? Do you believe the PPVs mentioned above were justified given the increased ticket prices, or do you think it was unfair to the fans? Share your thoughts below.