MMA Junkie reports that attendance figures show that UFC 127 drew 18,186 fans for a gate of $3.5 million. UFC exec Marshall Zelaznik made the announcement at the post-UFC 127 press conference.
Via MMA Junkie:
The numbers marked a significant increase over the $2.5 million reported gate generated by the 17,831 attendees to the UFC’s 2010 debut in Australia.
While attendance figures outside of North America are rarely certified by local commissions, the reported figure marks the highest total ever claimed by the UFC for an event outside of North America.
Zelaznik said the marks also qualified as the fastest sell-out in both Acer Arena and ticket broker Ticketek history.
While Canada has proven one of the UFC’s most lucrative markets – as witnessed not only by the massive gates of several trips to Montreal and Vancouver but also the 55,000 seats and $11 million gate expected for April’s UFC 129 event in Toronto – Zelaznik said Australia is quickly becoming a favored destination as well.
Zelaznik indicated that an Aussie stadium show is a future possibility.
Payout Perspective:
An impressive number for the UFC and a great sign for the globalization of mixed martial arts. Its interesting that the UFC appears to be a hotbed in Australia. I could see future UFC events and backing an annual Australia show with a fan expo. The long flight and time change are obvious obstacles, but the UFC has shown its commitment and the fans have responded. UFC 129 will undoubtedly surpass UFC 127’s attendance record but the numbers are still very good. I am a little skeptical about stadium shows and I would have held off on announcing a stadium show until seeing how UFC 129 turns out.
“UFC 129 will undoubtedly surpass UFC 127′s attendance record”
UFC 127’s record is for events outside of North America. UFC 129 is in North America. Thus, it will not be breaking UFC 127’s record.
It will however, shatter UFC 124’s North American attendance record.
Steve,
Thanks for clarifying.