UFC 306 at the Sphere setting UFC records
11/09/2024 19:15
On Saturday, the UFC will host one of its biggest events ever at the legendary Sphere in Las Vegas. UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC promises to be a unique experience headlined by one of the promotion's biggest stars.
Top bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili challenges champion Sean O'Malley for the 135-pound title in the UFC 306 main event. UFC CEO spoke with ESPN MMA about how popular O'Malley is and what makes the fight with Dvalishvili a must see.
"O'Malley has become a big star for us and a world champion. Came off the Contenders Series on ESPN on Tuesday nights. What makes this fight so great is it's the world champion versus the No. 1 contender, Merab. The two best fighters in the world in that weight class in their prime in probably the biggest event we've ever done," White said.
With O'Malley at the top of the fight card and the event taking place at the state of the art venue, UFC 306 has already set a couple of UFC records.
"This is the biggest gate we've ever done in UFC history and the biggest amount of pre-buys ever for a UFC event, meaning people are ordering the pay-per-view a week the week of the event," White said.
Dana White explains what fans can expect to see from UFC 306 at the Sphere
UFC 306 will be the first sporting event to take place at the Sphere. The production possibilities are expansive. White explained what viewers can expect to see.
"A sporting event has never been done here and what I love the most about it is people said it couldn't be done. I love those kinds of challenges," White said. "What we had to figure out was, how do you take all the technology and all the great things that is the Sphere yet you have to pay attention to the fights when the fights are happening.
"We created this movie that I call 'A Love Letter to Mexico' that talks about their culture, their history, and more importantly the fighting spirit of Mexico. The place that they hold in combat sports, all the greats that have ever come from there," White explained.
Related: Dana White shares exciting 'movie' details about UFC 306 at the Sphere
"We have this movie, and we have chapters of the movie. One chapter of the movie will play and then a fight will happen. Another chapter will play and then a fight will happen. This thing starts at the beginning of time and ends in the future of Mexico."
UFC 306 to feature hidden eggs and a $25K challenge
"There are also going to be Easter eggs in each one of these films," White said at the DWCS Season 8, Week 5 Post-Fight Press Conference on Tuesday. "What I want to do is if somebody can find all the eggs I'll give you $25,000."
The Easter eggs will be 'related to the show' and be featured during the UFC 306 main card.
