Dana White Reveals Major Update About UFC’s $35 Million Renovation

UFC CEO Dana White reveals major renovation financials and an increased audience cap for the UFC Apex arena.

Dana White Reveals Major Update About UFC’s $35 Million Renovation

Dana White announces UFC Apex renovation (via SPORTbible, Verdict MMA)

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The UFC Apex has become one of the most polarizing venues in the promotion, often criticized for its muted atmosphere compared to traditional arenas. The compact, studio-style setting is widely viewed as dull, with a limited crowd and visual appeal. Despite that perception, the venue remains central to UFC operations, and CEO Dana White has recently confirmed that renovations to the Apex are now underway.

The UFC Apex was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to travel and attendance restrictions limiting access to major arenas for events. The venue, which was converted from a warehouse beside UFC headquarters in Las Vegas, is designed for controlled events and features a smaller Octagon. The first event held in the arena was UFC Vegas 1, headlined by Tyron Woodley against Gilbert Burns.

The arena was reportedly scheduled to shut down for renovations as early as 2024, raising questions about its long-term future. However, the Apex reopened in the summer of 2025 with only minimal visible changes made to the venue. White has now revealed that the renovation is nearing completion and has stated that fans will see a revamped version of the Apex during the Zuffa Boxing 001 card.

I don’t know who’s going to the boxing tonight, but you are not going to feel like you are in the Apex, where you have been a million times. We did a $35 million renovation over there. And tonight’s sort of like our kick-off night. But it’s not done till May. By mid-May, it will be completely done. We’ll be able to fit 1100 people there.

Dana White told Aaron Bronsteter

The venue was recently renamed the Meta Apex under a new naming-rights deal with Meta, announced by White alongside Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The rebrand ties the facility to the tech giant and applies to all events hosted there. It reflects the UFC’s push to modernize the arena while increasing its commercial and operational value. The updated branding will appear across fight nights and Zuffa Boxing.

Even fighters have raised concerns about the Apex, citing its atmosphere as a challenge during competition. Lightweight contender Renato Moicano criticized the UFC CEO for holding events there, noting that many fighters shared his frustrations. The smaller, controlled setting has often been blamed for lackluster performances, with Tyron Woodley also saying the arena affected his fights.

The renovated Apex has now hosted its first Zuffa Boxing event under the Paramount+ banner, marking a new chapter for the venue. The UFC CEO has confirmed that more than a dozen events are planned under the Zuffa Boxing banner for 2026. The successful debut, combined with Dana White’s comments, suggests that the upgraded facility could host additional high-profile events in the future.

Dana White is disappointed with the first Zuffa Boxing event

Dana White has remained confident in his plan to expand into boxing through Zuffa Boxing, launching the first event, Zuffa Boxing 001, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The card was headlined by Callum Walsh defeating Carlos Ocampo via unanimous decision. Other bouts saw Misael Rodriguez win by fourth‑round TKO over Austin Deanda and Julian Rodriguez earn a unanimous decision over Cain Sandoval.

Dana White with Callum Walsh at Zuffa Boxing 01
Dana White with Callum Walsh at Zuffa Boxing 01 (via The Independent)

Despite the decisive results, White expressed disappointment with the overall energy at Zuffa Boxing 001. He distributed $200,000 in discretionary bonuses to reward fighters’ performances. The payouts were meant to encourage more exciting action in future events. The UFC CEO indicated that while the results were solid, the promotion still needs work to meet his vision.

We know a lot more than we knew then. 
Am I absolutely thrilled with our first one? No. We have a lot of work to do this year. Tonight was a solid night. The fights were great, and watch what we do over the next year. We’re just going to get better and better and better.

Dana White said of the inaugural Zuffa Boxing event

The Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford event, hosted by Zuffa Boxing outside Paramount+, also drew criticism for slow pacing. White’s remarks suggest the promotion is still in its early stages and improvements are expected. The feedback highlights the learning curve Zuffa Boxing faces. With adjustments to matchmaking and presentation, White remains optimistic about its long-term potential.

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