UFC Attendance Records: From Rousey’s reign to Modern Blockbusters
Table of Contents
- 1. UFC Attendance Records: From Rousey’s reign to Modern Blockbusters
- 2. 5. UFC on Fox 14: Gustafsson vs johnson
- 3. 4. UFC 198: Werdum vs Miocic
- 4. 3. UFC 129: St-Pierre vs Shields
- 5. 2. UFC 193: Rousey vs Holm
- 6. 1. UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya
- 7. The Evolution of UFC Attendance
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions About UFC Attendance
- 9. What factors contributed to UFC 193 in Melbourne drawing the largest UFC crowd in history?
- 10. Top 5 Largest UFC Event Crowds in History: Rousey’s Knockout in Australia featured
- 11. 1. UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm – Melbourne, Australia (2015) – 60,669 Attendees
- 12. 2. UFC 276: Volkanovski vs. Topuria – Las Vegas, Nevada (2023) – 55,144 Attendees
- 13. 3. UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 – Jacksonville, Florida (2021) – 52,500 Attendees
- 14. 4. UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields – Toronto,canada (2011) – 55,000 Attendees (estimated)
- 15. 5. UFC Fight Night: Overeem
The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues to redefine the landscape of combat sports, consistently drawing record-breaking crowds to its marquee events. The promotion has demonstrably grown in popularity, recently surpassing even established music giants in attendance figures.
Dana White, the President of the UFC, has repeatedly voiced his commitment to escalating the scale of events, currently targeting an unprecedented 85,000-person capacity for a forthcoming event near the White House next year. Let’s revisit the five most attended UFC events in history, a journey that includes a pivotal moment in Ronda Rousey’s career.
5. UFC on Fox 14: Gustafsson vs johnson
In 2015, the popularity of Swedish light Heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson propelled UFC on Fox 14 to new heights. The Tele2 Arena in Stockholm welcomed 30,000 fervent fans, marking the first time the UFC hosted an event in a European stadium.This inaugural stadium show generated an impressive $3.1 million gate revenue.
Gustafsson headlined the event, facing Anthony Johnson in a bout initially intended to be against then-champion Jon Jones. However, the night took a disappointing turn for local supporters as Gustafsson suffered a first-round knockout, despite the electrifying atmosphere created by the massive crowd.
4. UFC 198: Werdum vs Miocic
Brazil’s strong affinity for Mixed Martial Arts was on full display at UFC 198 in Curitiba, held in May 2016. A staggering 45,207 spectators filled the Arena de baixada for what was only the promotion’s fourth stadium show.
The card featured a pair of highly anticipated co-main events.Stipe Miocic secured the UFC Heavyweight title with a first-round knockout victory over Fabricio Werdum. Additionally, Cris Cyborg delivered a dominant first-round knockout, adding to the excitement of a card that captivated the Brazilian audience.
3. UFC 129: St-Pierre vs Shields
April 30, 2011, witnessed a historic moment as the Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario, hosted the first sanctioned MMA event in the province.UFC 129 drew a crowd of 55,724, eager to witness a clash between Canadian hero Georges St-Pierre and the previously undefeated Jake Shields.
St-Pierre, aiming to extend his record for consecutive UFC Welterweight title defenses, faced a formidable challenge in Shields, who boasted a 15-fight winning streak. After five hard-fought rounds,St-Pierre emerged victorious by judges’ decision,solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest Welterweight champions in UFC history.
2. UFC 193: Rousey vs Holm
The November 2015 bout between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Melbourne,Australia,not only shattered UFC attendance records but also delivered one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s history.
Rousey entered the fight as a dominant force, having captivated audiences with a string of swift knockouts and submissions.However, Holly Holm, underestimated by many, delivered a stunning performance, knocking out Rousey in the second round in front of 56,214 fans – a new attendance record for the UFC at the time.
1. UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya
The UFC returned to Melbourne on October 6, 2019, for UFC 243, eclipsing the previous attendance record. A remarkable 57,127 fans packed the Marvel Stadium to witness a highly anticipated title unification bout.
Australia’s Robert Whittaker defended his Middleweight title against Israel Adesanya. Despite the overwhelming support from the home crowd, Whittaker was defeated by Adesanya via knockout in the second round, marking the highest attendance in UFC history.
UFC Attendance Records: A Snapshot
| Rank | Event | Attendance | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya | 57,127 | Melbourne, Australia | October 6, 2019 |
| 2 | UFC 193: rousey vs Holm | 56,214 | Melbourne, Australia | November 14, 2015 |
| 3 | UFC 129: St-Pierre vs Shields | 55,724 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | April 30, 2011 |
| 4 | UFC 198: Werdum vs Miocic | 45,207 | Curitiba, brazil | May 14, 2016 |
| 5 | UFC on Fox 14: Gustafsson vs Johnson | 30,000 | Stockholm, Sweden | January 24, 2015 |
Did You Know? The UFC’s expansion into international markets, particularly Australia and Brazil, has been pivotal in driving record-breaking attendance numbers.
Pro Tip: Securing tickets for these high-demand UFC events often requires planning and swift action, as thay sell out rapidly.
What impact do you think international events will have on future UFC attendance records? Wich fighter do you beleive could draw the next record-breaking crowd?
The Evolution of UFC Attendance
The growth in UFC attendance mirrors the sport’s increasing mainstream acceptance. From humble beginnings in smaller venues, the UFC has consistently expanded its reach, leveraging the star power of its athletes and strategic event locations. The trend toward stadium shows demonstrates the promotion’s confidence in its ability to fill large arenas and cultivate a passionate global fanbase. According to Statista, the UFC’s global brand value reached $8.1 billion in 2023, demonstrating the sport’s considerable economic impact and audience appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC Attendance
- What is the highest attendance ever recorded at a UFC event?
The highest attendance was 57,127 at UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya in Melbourne, Australia, on October 6, 2019.
- Which country has hosted the most UFC events with large attendance?
Australia and Brazil have consistently hosted events with very high attendance figures, demonstrating strong fan bases in both countries.
- How does Dana White plan to increase UFC attendance further?
Dana White aims to host events in larger venues, targeting a crowd of 85,000 for a future event near the White House.
- What factors contribute to high UFC attendance numbers?
Popular fighters, exciting matchups, and strategically chosen locations with passionate fan bases all contribute to high attendance rates.
- How has UFC attendance changed over time?
UFC attendance has steadily increased over time, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and the promotion’s expansion into new markets.
What factors contributed to UFC 193 in Melbourne drawing the largest UFC crowd in history?
Top 5 Largest UFC Event Crowds in History: Rousey’s Knockout in Australia featured
The roar of the crowd is an integral part of the UFC experience. Certain events have transcended the sport, drawing massive audiences and creating unforgettable atmospheres. This article dives into the top 5 largest UFC event crowds in history, highlighting the fights, the locations, and the sheer spectacle of these monumental gatherings. We’ll explore the impact of these events on MMA history and the UFC’s global reach.
1. UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm – Melbourne, Australia (2015) – 60,669 Attendees
This event at Marvel Stadium (then Etihad Stadium) in Melbourne, Australia, remains the gold standard for UFC attendance. The main event saw Ronda Rousey, then the seemingly invincible UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, face Holly Holm.
* Key Fight: Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm – Holm shocked the world with a stunning head-kick knockout of Rousey in just 38 seconds. This upset is consistently ranked among the biggest in UFC history.
* Importance: The event’s success demonstrated the immense popularity of women’s MMA and the UFC’s growing fanbase in Australia.
* Attendance Breakdown: The crowd was a mix of passionate Australian fight fans and international visitors eager to witness Rousey’s reign.
* Related Searches: Ronda Rousey knockout, Holly Holm UFC, UFC Australia attendance, biggest UFC upsets.
2. UFC 276: Volkanovski vs. Topuria – Las Vegas, Nevada (2023) – 55,144 Attendees
Held at T-mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 276 drew a massive crowd eager to see Alexander Volkanovski defend his Featherweight title against Yair Rodriguez.
* key Fight: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez – Volkanovski secured a TKO victory in the fifth round, showcasing his dominance in the featherweight division.
* card Strength: The event boasted a stacked card, including a highly anticipated middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira.
* Las Vegas Appeal: The event capitalized on Las Vegas’s reputation as a premier destination for combat sports.
* Related Searches: UFC 276 results, Volkanovski Rodriguez, Israel Adesanya Alex Pereira, Las Vegas UFC events.
3. UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 – Jacksonville, Florida (2021) – 52,500 Attendees
UFC 261 marked a significant return to full-capacity arenas after the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, hosted a night of thrilling action.
* Key Fight: Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal 2 – Usman delivered a brutal knockout of Masvidal in the second round, solidifying his position as the Welterweight Champion.
* Post-Pandemic Atmosphere: The event was notably special due to the energy of fans finally being able to attend a large-scale UFC event in person.
* florida’s Growing MMA Scene: The event highlighted Florida’s increasing importance as a hub for mixed martial arts.
* Related Searches: Usman Masvidal 2, UFC Jacksonville attendance, Kamaru Usman knockout, UFC return to fans.
4. UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields – Toronto,canada (2011) – 55,000 Attendees (estimated)
The Rogers Centre in Toronto,Canada,played host to a highly anticipated welterweight championship showdown between Georges St-Pierre and Jake Shields. While official numbers vary, estimates place the attendance around 55,000.
* Key Fight: Georges St-Pierre vs. Jake Shields – St-Pierre won a unanimous decision,showcasing his well-rounded skillset and cementing his status as one of the greatest welterweights of all time.
* Canadian Pride: the event was a landmark moment for MMA in Canada, demonstrating the country’s passionate fanbase.
* Rogers Centre Capacity: The Rogers Centre, primarily a baseball stadium, was transformed into a massive UFC arena.
* Related Searches: Georges St-pierre Jake Shields, UFC Canada attendance, GSP UFC record, Toronto UFC event.