The UFC's reliance on its Apex facility has diminished the quality and appeal of weekly events, leading to a decline in audience interest.
The disparity in fight card quality between numbered events and weekly Fight Nights has grown, with fewer star fighters participating in regular events.
The pandemic has shifted UFC's operational strategies, focusing more on pay-per-view events rather than regular Fight Nights, impacting the promotion's prestige.
The UFC may continue to struggle with attracting large audiences for weekly events unless significant changes are made to the fight card structure.
As top fighters remain less active, the promotion could face challenges in maintaining viewer engagement and interest in its events.
The UFC might explore new locations and partnerships to revitalize its Fight Night events and draw in fans.
UFC's Changing Landscape: From Star Power to Diminished Interest
As the UFC approaches the end of 2024, the promotion has witnessed a notable shift in audience engagement and fight card quality. The last major event of the year, held in Las Vegas, was marked by a controversial defeat for Alexander Volkov and a decisive victory for Movsar Evloev. Looking ahead, the UFC has announced an exciting lineup for January 2025, featuring two title fights: Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan and Umar Nurmagomedov facing Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title. This event promises a star-studded card, including former champions and top contenders like Jiri Prochazka, Jamal Hill, Beneil Dariush, and Kevin Holland.
However, the upcoming weekly UFC event in January appears lackluster in comparison, with 14 fights scheduled but lacking significant star power. The main event will feature Mackenzie Dern against Amanda Ribas, but it is unlikely to draw a large audience. This trend reflects a broader issue within the UFC, where the gap between high-profile numbered events and weekly Fight Nights has widened considerably in recent years.
The Impact of Location and Star Availability on UFC Events
Historically, the UFC thrived on traveling to various cities worldwide, bringing in top athletes to attract local fans. However, since the pandemic, the promotion has increasingly relied on its Apex facility in Las Vegas, hosting 41 tournaments in 2024, with many being less competitive. The lack of significant matchups has led to a decline in interest, as fans are less inclined to attend events featuring lesser-known fighters.
Moreover, the current roster of top fighters has seen a decrease in activity. In 2015, prominent fighters participated in a total of 24 bouts, while in 2024, only 18 fights involved the top athletes. This reduction in star participation has made it challenging for the UFC to fill its event cards with compelling matchups. As the promotion prepares for 2025, the schedule reveals a continued trend of hosting events at the Apex, with limited high-profile fights anticipated. The upcoming UFC Fight Night 250 in Riyadh may offer a glimmer of hope, as it aims to attract significant attention with big names like Israel Adesanya and Sergey Pavlovich, but the overall outlook remains uncertain.
