The Sports Business Journal reported the UFC Belgrade event that took place this past June in Serbia.
In an article which touted the international growth of the company, the UFC disclosed the gate and attendance of the UFC Belgrade event on August 1. The Belgrade Arena drew 18,623 fans for a gate of $2.5 million per the UFC.
The UFC sporadically reveals gate and attendance numbers for international events. Notably, it rarely discloses gate and attendance numbers for Brazil events.
However, as part of this article for the SBJ it touts the strong overseas interest in the sport and the requests for it to come to different countries. At recent press conferences, reporters have asked Dana White about holding events in Italy and Germany. Prior to his loss this June, the UFC were looking into holding an event in Spain featuring Ilia Topuria.
This all comes down to one of the key areas that TKO, the parent company of the UFC, is targeting. Site fees. One of the key revenue drivers at this point for TKO with its sports properties are site fees. The UFC benefits from site fees it receives. Last quarter it went to Abu Dhabi and Azerbaijian as part of deals with those countries. It is likely hoping for more of the same. Last year, WWE held Premium Live Events in international countries and reaped the benefits of those events.
This is another example of the flywheel at work.
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