2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary for Dana White and the UFC. Over the past 12 months, the promotion has delivered a series of thrilling, innovative, and blockbuster fight cards that fans will talk about for years to come. The UFC 300 anniversary card in April set the tone for the year, showcasing an unforgettable lineup packed with one explosive fight after another. Then, in September, the UFC made history with UFC 306 at The Sphere, an event that redefined the live sports experience and left fans in awe with its groundbreaking production and electrifying fights.

Additionally, the year saw unparalleled commercial success, with four of the top ten highest-grossing pay-per-view events in UFC history occurring this year alone. The promotion also shattered expectations on the smaller stage, with a string of record-breaking Fight Night cards that kept fans glued to their screens. To cap off the year, UFC Tampa last night, headlined by Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley, broke the record for the highest gate collection of any North American Fight Night card. More significantly, the record that it broke belonged to the UFC Edmonton card just last month.

This success is even more significant when considering the UFC’s business model and how its events generate revenue. Numbered events primarily rely on pay-per-view sales as their main source of income, leveraging their prestige and blockbuster matchups to draw massive audiences. In contrast, Fight Night cards, which are available without the PPV price tag, generate most of their revenue through live gate sales.

Typically, non-numbered cards lack the fanfare and excitement associated with PPV events. However, 2024 has been a standout year for Fight Night events, delivering exceptional performances and record-breaking gates. While they haven’t quite matched the commercial highs of the PPV cards, these events have undoubtedly proven their value and contributed significantly to the UFC’s banner year.

A closer look at UFC’s stellar 2024

UFC 299 delivered an action-packed card stacked with several thrilling matchups. Headlined by Sean O’Malley’s dominant victory over Marlon Vera in their much-anticipated rematch, the Miami event generated an impressive $14 million in ticket sales, ranking as the seventh-highest-grossing event in UFC history.

Meanwhile, UFC 303 showcased the star power of Alex Pereira, the promotion’s biggest active draw. Originally slated to feature Conor McGregor’s highly awaited comeback, the card had already sold most of its tickets by the time the Irishman withdrew. Even without ‘The Notorious’, the event amassed $15.9 million at the gate, securing its place as the fifth-highest-grossing UFC event ever.

UFC 300, as expected, lived up to the monumental hype of a milestone event. Featuring three title fights and electrifying matchups from the early prelims to the main event, the card grossed $16.5 million at the gate, placing it fourth on the all-time list. Once again headlined by Alex Pereira, the event underscored his massive appeal and cemented his role as the face of the UFC.

However, none of these events could surpass the spectacle of UFC 306 at Las Vegas’ iconic Sphere. With its cutting-edge 80-foot seamless, wraparound screens creating an unmatched viewing experience, the event was hailed as the most innovative fight in combat sports history. Fans didn’t hesitate to pay a premium for tickets, resulting in a record-breaking $21 million in gate revenue, making UFC 306 the highest-grossing event in the promotion’s 30-year history.

The UFC’s 2024 success story highlights the promotion’s remarkable growth. From blockbuster PPVs to record-setting Fight Nights, the UFC has raised the bar for live sports entertainment. A rising tide lifts all boats, and it’s clear that the UFC’s tide is surging higher than ever. What are your thoughts on this incredible year of achievements?