UFC 306 is set to take place at one of the most innovative venues in the world—The Sphere in Las Vegas. But setting up a UFC event at the $2.3 billion venue, the most expensive entertainment destination ever built in ‘Sin City’ isn’t easy. Why you ask? In a recent post-fight press conference, UFC boss Dana White revealed a surprising issue that the promotion had to deal with.

While the event is highly anticipated, there have been numerous issues that have popped up with ticket prices being slashed to draw in more fans. With Canelo Alvarez also fighting on the same day, the UFC is going head-to-head with the Mexican boxing superstar. As such, White shed some light on the single biggest hurdle he faced while preparing for the spectacle, and surprisingly, it had nothing to do with the tickets or Alvarez’s fight!

Dana White reveals a unique challenge with the “lighting grid” for UFC 306

At the recent DWCS (Dana White Contender Series) post-fight press conference, the UFC head honcho asked about the toughest part of making UFC 306 a reality at ‘The Sphere’. While some would imagine getting all the fights lined up for the card would be one, the White shocked everyone present when he answered by simply stating, “Lighting. Yeah, there’s no lighting grid.”

Shocking, right? If you’ve ever watched a UFC event, you know the Octagon’s lighting is as crucial as the fighters inside it. As such, White shared, “So this’ll be the first event ever, in the history of the company, probably in the history of combat sports I’d imagine, where there isn’t a lighting rig hanging over the Octagon.”

White went on to explain that it wasn’t just about illuminating the fighters. The entire production had to be reimagined as he further stated, “So you have lights, cameras, microphones, different audio, all up in that trussing up there and it’s all gone. That was the big first challenge.”

But if there’s one thing we know about the UFC’s leader it’s that he thrives under pressure. The UFC has always been about pushing boundaries, and this time is no different. Adapting to The Sphere’s unique design meant reinventing how a fight is staged and viewed, and that’s no small feat. Yet, as always, Dana White appeared confident that they’ve found a solution to make UFC 306 one for the history books. After all, the fights aren’t the only thing that fans will witness at ‘The Sphere!

White’s plans to turn UFC 306 into a one of a kind experience

Dana White is determined to transform UFC 306 into something more than a night of just punches, kicks and takedowns. In a recent conversation on ESPN’s ‘First Take’, the UFC boss described it as an “unbelievable entertainment event,” promising not just fights, but a fully immersive experience.

How does he plan on doing that? White shared that, “There’s a movie that’s going to run in the Sphere, and there are chapters to this movie. So, before each fight, there’s a movie, and you will be focused on the Sphere and the screen, then the fighters will walk out, and then the fight is the star of the show.”

Each chapter of the film, ‘For Mexico, For All Time’, will unfold in six 90-second bursts throughout the night, making it a continuous, evolving part of the evening. From the absence of a lighting grid to battling for viewership against Canelo Alvarez, it’s clear this isn’t just another UFC night—it’s a bold experiment. Yet, with a cinematic experience woven between fights and The Sphere’s state-of-the-art technology, White promises something extraordinary.

Do you think UFC 306 will be able to break records for viewership even and overshadow the Canelo Alvarez fight? Why or Why not? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!