UFC 306, held at The Sphere in Las Vegas, has set a new record for ticket sales in UFC history. CEO Dana White invested over $20 million to transform the venue, quickly recouping his costs through ticket sales. Following Merab Dvalishvili’s win over Sean O’Malley, White announced that the event also achieved record merchandise sales.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest gates in UFC history
| Rank | Event Name | Total Gate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili | $22,000,000 |
| 2 | UFC 205: Alvarez vs McGregor | $17,700,000 |
| 3 | UFC 229: Khabib vs McGregor | $17,188,895 |
| 4 | UFC 303: Pereira vs Prochazka 2 | $15,900,000 |
| 5 | UFC 300: Pereira vs Hill | $16,508,823 |
| 6 | UFC 264: McGregor vs Poirier 3 | $15,759,800 |
| 7 | UFC 299: O’Malley vs Vera 2 | $14,142,904 |
| 8 | UFC 295: Prochazka vs Pereira | $12,400,000 |
| 9 | UFC 285: Jones vs Gane | $12,150,000 |
| 10 | UFC 129: St-Pierre vs Shields | $12,075,000 |
10. UFC 129 — St. Pierre vs Shields (2011)
Gate: $12,075,000
Georges St. Pierre was in the midst of his welterweight championship reign when he faced Jake Shields in Toronto. The fight was a significant moment in St. Pierre’s career, as he showcased his elite skills by winning via unanimous decision. The event also featured the legendary Jose Aldo, who defended his featherweight title against Mark Hominick, adding further star power to the card.
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9. UFC 285 — Jones vs Gane (2023)
Gate: $12,150,000
This event marked the highly anticipated return of Jon Jones after a three-year absence from the Octagon. Competing against Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title, Jones displayed his exceptional wrestling and striking abilities, finishing Gane in the first round. His comeback was not just a victory for him personally but also a significant moment for UFC fans, who were eager to see the return of one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
8. UFC 295 — Prochazka vs Pereira (2023)
Gate: $12,400,000
UFC 295 continued the tradition of hosting top-tier fights in New York City every November. This event featured an explosive matchup between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, where Pereira claimed victory with a knockout. Additionally, Tom Aspinall and Jessica Andrade both delivered impressive performances, with Aspinall finishing Sergei Pavlovich in the first round and Andrade securing a second-round victory over Mackenzie Dern, showcasing the depth of talent on the card.
7. UFC 299 — O’Malley vs Vera 2 (2024)
Gate: $14,142,904
UFC 299 took place in Miami and highlighted the rising star Sean O’Malley defending his Bantamweight Championship against Marlon Vera. The match was closely contested, but O’Malley ultimately won by decision, confirming his place at the top of the division. The event also featured local favorite Dustin Poirier, who delivered a knockout against Benoit Saint-Denis. Additionally, Michael ‘Venom’ Page made his highly anticipated UFC debut, defeating Kevin Holland by decision, making it a memorable night for fans.
6. UFC 264 — McGregor vs Poirier 3 (2021)
Gate: $15,759,800
This event was particularly significant as it was the third meeting between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Held in Las Vegas, it drew immense attention due to the heated rivalry. Unfortunately for McGregor, the fight ended prematurely in the second round when he suffered a leg injury and could not continue. This loss was a critical moment in McGregor’s career, bringing his professional record to 22 wins, with 19 by knockout, and six defeats.
5. UFC 300 — Pereira vs Hill (2024)
Gate: $16,508,823
Celebrating its 300th pay-per-view event, UFC 300 was packed with exciting matchups. The card included 13 fights, each generating significant buzz. Kayla Harrison made her UFC debut with a victory over Holly Holm, and Jiri Prochazka knocked out Aleksandar Rakic in an impressive display. Max Holloway also stole the show with a stunning knockout of Justin Gaethje. The night was filled with memorable moments and showcased the depth of talent within the UFC.
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4. UFC 303 — Pereira vs Prochazka 2 (2024)
Gate: $15,900,000
Leading up to UFC 303, the promotion anticipated a record-breaking event. However, when Conor McGregor had to withdraw due to injury, the UFC faced the challenge of issuing refunds. Despite this setback, the main event featuring Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka still drew a large audience. The fight was thrilling and highlighted the resilience of the UFC in delivering high-stakes matchups.
3. UFC 229 — Khabib vs McGregor (2018)
Gate: $17,188,895
UFC 229 was a night to remember as it showcased the fierce rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. The buildup to the fight was filled with tension and controversy. In the Octagon, Khabib emerged victorious with a stunning submission win, but the fight’s aftermath was chaotic, as he jumped into the crowd, igniting a near-riot. This event was pivotal in MMA history, solidifying Khabib’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters.
2. UFC 205 — Alvarez vs McGregor (2016)
Gate: $17,700,000
In this landmark event, Conor McGregor made history by aiming to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. The event was electrifying, and McGregor delivered, defeating Eddie Alvarez with a second-round knockout. This victory not only secured his status as a two-division champion but also marked one of the most significant moments in UFC history, earning him legendary status among fans and fighters alike.
1. UFC 306 — O’Malley vs Dvalishvili (2024)
Gate: $22,000,000
At UFC 306, held in The Sphere, two UFC championships changed hands, with Valentina Shevchenko defeating Alexa Grasso and Merab Dvalishvili besting Sean O’Malley. However, the event was much more than just the fights; it was an extravagant production that Dana White marketed as a unique experience. Fans were treated to Hollywood-style short films throughout the broadcast, making it a truly unforgettable night and reflecting Dana’s vision of a spectacular event.
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