“The Show Wasn’t…”- UFC London Star Trashes Dana White & Co. As They Fail to Sell Out the O2 Arena and Meet Fans’ Expectations in the UK

UFC 289 was a major disappointment for UFC President Dana White and Co. The event reeled in a meager 300K PPV buys (estimated). However, UFC 290 was a grand success, where big names turned up. Former US President Donald Trump and even BJJ ‘King’ Gordon Ryan were seen in attendance, among others.

Following that up, UFC made its return to London on 22 July. The event turned out to be yet another disappointment as the arena didn’t sell out. The event took place in the O2 Arena but the fans didn’t seem to think that the event had a fight card worthy of the ticket prices for the event. Middleweight fighter Paul Craig opened up on his fight against Andre Muniz and spoke the mind of the people.

Not as Explosive as UFC 290 – Paul Craig discusses UFC London

The O2 Arena featured UFC Fight Night on 22 July. After UFC 290’s grand success, people were under the impression that the arena would be sold out. However, that was not the case. The fans did not seem to think that the ticket prices for the event were far too expensive – especially because they didn’t have ‘big names’ on the fight cards.

UFC Middleweight fighter Paul Craig shed light on this in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, on YouTube.

Craig said that he had been hearing from fans and people in attendance that the UFC event wasn’t as explosive as UFC main events usually are and that the fans were disappointed.

“The show wasn’t as explosive as previous shows had been in London and (inaudible) was kind of like a turning point for that. And…. and obviously, I won and the way I did win was very exciting and I think fans appreciate that.“, said Craig.

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Supplementing his point, Craig said, “For me, when I fight, I do put on a performance and it doesn’t matter actually when you see me getting knocked out and I’m going to be doing the submitting – it doesn’t matter, I’m always involved in the exciting fights.“

Craig won the fight by KO/TKO and that was definitely an exciting moment for all UFC fans. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it didn’t amass the level of success or popularity that UFC 290 did.

Will UFC shake off the disappointment with UFC 291?

The internet is buzzing with the disappointing news enveloping the recent UFC event which was held at the O2 arena in London. The promotion has had immense success in London previously but this time something did not work for the people.

However, UFC 291 is on its way and it shows promise. UFC Lightweight fighters Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are headlining the main event and will be seen fighting for the BMF belt. Additionally, former UFC BMF champ Jorge Masivdal will reportedly wrap the belt around the waist of the winner.

Israel Adesanya‘s rival Alex Pereira is getting ready to face Jan Blachowicz, the fighter who stopped Adesanya when he moved to the Light Heavyweight division. The event with several other blockbuster fights will be held on 30 July at the Delta Centre in Salt Lake City, US.

Was the less-than-impressive UFC event in London just the calm before the storm? Which fight was your favorite from UFC’s recent event? Let us know in the comments below.

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