UFC CEO Faces Uncertainty as Sphere Debut Approaches
Dana White said he could not know whether staging UFC 306 at Sphere would work until the event took place. His “does it suck?” remark reflected uncertainty about a new production format; it did not mean he had lost confidence in the fighters or event.
The production gamble
UFC 306 was scheduled for September 14, 2024, and built around Sphere’s immersive screens and a series of short films on Mexican history. White called the production ambitious but acknowledged that the UFC would learn from the live event. UFC’s interview with White covers the planning.
What White said
White’s question—whether the venue experience worked, was great or “sucked”—was about a first-of-its-kind UFC presentation at Sphere. It was not an admission that the promotion lacked a plan. MMA Fighting reported the remarks.
After the event
UFC 306 took place as scheduled. White later called the production a success while also noting limits in what Sphere could do for a live fight broadcast. Ticket-resale prices and unverified claims about sales should not be used as a substitute for official attendance or gate figures.
Sources
Tags: MMA
