While delivering his traditional post-fight conference after the UFC 287 event at Kaseya Center in Downtown Miami, Dana White is peppered with questions regarding the host city. After this intense and headline-grabbing fight, is there a future for Miami and the UFC?
White’s short answer is, “We’re in. We’re coming to Miami. This is such a different place than the last time I was here. This place is a whole other level, it’s just incredible.”
He expanded the issue a bit in order to point out the exuberant life that Miamians in 2023 enjoy. He mentioned the great restaurants, how they stay packed well into the night, beautiful hotels, nobody is ever at a loss for something to do. Miami is also an extremely profitable city. White carried on about how 10-20 years ago, Los Angeles was the city to be in. It was #1 in everything, gate sales, viewership, nightlife, an all-around world-class destination. There is a new sheriff in town though.
Despite highlighting what we already live day-to-day, it is easy to see why Dana would be so happy with the outcome of his fight card. The live event took place in front of a sold-out arena (over 19,000 in attendance) and garnered almost $12 million in gate sales. This doesn’t even begin to count the Pay-Per-View buys at $80 each. It is estimated that over 800,000 people bought the fight at home, amassing over $35 million more. A profitable night indeed!
We love seeing our city in the spotlight and are eager to hear the official word that the UFC is making Miami a new annual destination!