MMA Weekly reports that tonight’s UFC on Fox 2 drew 17,245 for a gate of $1.2 million. It was the UFC’s first appearance at Chicago’s United Center since UFC 90.
Although the attendance figures were solid, the gate figure pales in comparison to UFC 90 when the gate exceeded $2.8 million. On that night, Anderson Silva defended his title against Patrick Cote.
Via MMA Weekly:
The promotion’s last trip to the Chicago area was the Allstate Arena in the suburb of Rosemont for UFC 90. That event drew a slightly lesser attendance of 15,359, but drew more than double the live gate, totaling $2.85 million.
The gate did beat the first event televised on Fox at the Honda Center in Anaheim. That event drew 11,600 for a gate of slightly over $1 million.
In addition, MMA Junkie reports the bonuses were announced and each received $65,000. All of the prelim fights received the night’s bonuses.
Lavar Johnson: KO of the Night
Charles Oliveira – Sub of the Night
Evan Dunham and Nik Lentz – Fight of the NIght
You really cannot compare a PPV title fight (300k PPV) with a non-PPV card on Fox in terms of gate. Fox wants the building full, so it is priced that way. Give Chicago Silva Sonnen 2 and you will get a $3 million plus gate.
It’s Two different venues Jason.
You even point that out in your article…
The UFC had never been to the United Center, which is where the Bulls and Blackhawks play and normally seats 20,000+
The Allstate Arena is a concert venue and minor league Hockey Arena that seats 15,500 if they’re lucky.
Something looks weird about this number.