UFC CEO Dana White at Press Conference for UFC 300

Dana White Reveals Key Details Behind Production of UFC Noche

By Tim Burke September 12, 2024 15:32

Jeff Bottari/ Zuffa LLC/ Getty Images

The UFC's most significant event in company history, Riyadh Season Noche UFC, takes place on Saturday, September 14th, at the iconic Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. This venue, renowned for its state-of-the-art technology and unique design, promises a unique and unforgettable experience for all attendees.

"It is going to be incredible and the most incredible thing anyone has seen in the sport. It will be the greatest sporting event of all time" White told reporters at international Fight Week in June.

The Riyadh Season Noche UFC, a pivotal moment in the UFC's journey, is all set to make history as the first-ever sporting event in the Sphere. This futuristic venue, known for its immersive audio and video experiences since its inception in 2023, is about to witness a significant event that will be remembered by MMA fans forever.

How did the UFC get here?

Las Vegas is the combat sports capital of the world, and the UFC has held a third of its PPV events at T-Mobile Arena in the past two years.

However, MGM decided to hold a different combat sporting event at T-Mobile on September 14th. For more than twenty years, the Premier Boxing Champions has held championship fights in Las Vegas to celebrate Mexican Independence Day Weekend. This year, Canelo Alvarez, boxing's biggest star and Mexican-born fighter, will take on the undefeated Edgar Berlanga.

Initially, there was disappointment over MGM's decision not to partner with the UFC on September 14th. However, Dana White's swift decision to hold UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, despite the setback, showcases his remarkable business acumen. This marks the first time in the UFC's thirty-year history that it will be a title partner for an event with Turki Alalshikh's Riyadh Season, rebranding the event from UFC 306 to Riyadh Season Noche UFC.

Riyadh Season Noche UFC Will be the first of its kind.

Throughout the summer, Dana White has passionately discussed the massive undertaking of creating a fully immersive sporting event at the Sphere. The UFC's unwavering commitment to this vision, which cost a staggering 20 million dollars, is a testament to its dedication to providing a unique and unforgettable experience for the fans. Here are some of the incredible features that will be showcased at this event, according to the UFC and ESPN.

The UFC's strategic partnership with ESPN for a 1080p TV Broadcast, the highest quality broadcast of a UFC event in ESPN history, ensures that the audience will have a top-notch viewing experience at home.
Haptic seats use vibration to activate the action in the Octagon and on the screen.
Noche UFC will be the first UFC event where attending fans can listen to live commentary from either English or Spanish broadcasts.
Throughout the PPV portion of the event, the UFC has created a film that will be shown in the interior display of the Sphere in 90 second intervals before each fight.
Fighters will have special fight kits that honor Mexican independence and the Gods of Aztec Mythology. These kits, designed in collaboration with pay homage to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Mexico.
The interior display of the Sphere will display stats in real time.

Riyadh Season Noche UFC is Destined for Success

Dana White's incredible passion vision for Riyadh Season Noche has the UFC destined for their most successful and unforgettable event in the history of the company. White expects Riyadh Season Noche UFC to break the record for highest gate in UFC history with 23 million.

"This is going to be the biggest gate in UFC history at 22/23 million. MGM is guaranteeing the (Canelo gate) at 25 million. I am sure Canelo is going to do fine. He is going to make money and we are going to do our our thing on the same night" White told Manouk Akopyan in an interview this week.

Unfortunately, Dana White has stated time and time again that this is a one time event at the Sphere.

"This will never be replicated. It is too much money." White told reporters after being asked about the Sphere following UFC 303.

However, if the fans love it and want more, Dana White may have to put on more spectacles at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Other sporting organizations will sure follow. It may even change the sports industry forever.