“This product is disgusting to broadcast” – Dana White’s promotion SLAMMED for 86th ‘lazy’ UFC Apex spectator-less fight night

Dana White's promotion gets cooked for not putting the UFC Fight Night events in a live crowd.

“This product is disgusting to broadcast” – Dana White’s promotion SLAMMED for 86th ‘lazy’ UFC Apex spectator-less fight night

Dana White and UFC faces criticism for excessive reliance on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (via Imago/X)

The UFC has come under fire for hosting another card without a live crowd at the Apex. The Super Bowl weekend’s UFC Fight Night marked the 86th such event held at the Apex since the venue opened in 2019. This was headlined by Joe Pyfer vs. Jack Hermansson. Critics and fans alike slammed the Dana White and UFC’s continued overreliance on empty arena shows as “lazy” and detrimental to the fight game.

The Apex was originally intended as a state-of-the-art broadcast facility. It was pressed into service when the COVID-19 pandemic halted live events in 2020. Fight fans have now returned across sports worldwide. The time has come for the premier MMA promotion to resume taking its Fight Night events to eager fans across the globe. Recently, UFC fighter Renato Moicano also trashed the Apex fight cards.

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Fans and critics alike point out the lack of atmosphere and muted reactions that empty arena bouts provide. The silence removes much of the spectacle and emotion expected of a live UFC event. Many feel showcasing rising talent and lower weight classes in this environment hinders their ability to build names and fanbases.

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Additionally, the cost savings realized by Dana White’s organization reduced travel and simpler logistics, which are seen as coming at the expense of dedicated fight fans. Critics allege the promotion prioritizes convenience and profit over giving back to supporter communities that helped build the brand. 

The UFC is unlikely to abandon the Apex facility altogether. UFC Fight Nights may never reach the prestige of major pay-per-views. However, giving them a fair chance to thrill crowds as intended would be a welcome start.

MMA fans react to another UFC lackluster event at the Apex

UFC fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the promotion’s continued reliance on spectator-less events at the Apex in Las Vegas. This weekend’s UFC Fight Night marked the 86th such empty arena card. This has left many supporters voicing their disappointment and calling for a return to traditional fight night experiences.

MMA fans react to UFC's overreliance on the Apex
MMA fans react to UFC’s overreliance on the Apex (via The Mac Life)

Online MMA forums and social media platforms lit up with complaints and displeasure from fight fans. They slammed the no-crowd Apex shows as a detriment to rising talent. Long-time fans lamented the lack of atmosphere and muted reactions these behind-closed-doors events provide. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

The consensus was that the UFC CEO and his organization needed to re-embrace the showmanship and hunger that led to its rise. Renewed efforts to showcase talent in proven fight centers could reignite loyal fan dedication. This in itself defined UFC’s early success.

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