5 Biggest UFC Stadiums In The World
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has grown to become the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world. Its global popularity has led to the organization hosting events in various venues, ranging from arenas to massive stadiums. In this article, we will explore the five largest UFC stadiums in the world, delving into their capacities and locations and highlighting some of the most significant UFC events that have taken place in these iconic venues.
1. Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Capacity: 65,000
Allegiant Stadium, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the newest addition to the list of colossal UFC venues. Opened in 2020, the stadium serves as the home for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and the Las Vegas Aces of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
While Allegiant Stadium has yet to host a UFC event, its impressive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities make it a prime candidate for future major UFC pay-per-view events. The prospect of witnessing a UFC extravaganza in this modern arena is highly anticipated.
2. AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
Capacity: 80,000
AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas, is the home of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. Renowned for its immense size and cutting-edge technology, AT&T Stadium has had the privilege of hosting two UFC events, both of which were high-profile pay-per-view affairs.
The first UFC event, UFC 171, took place in March 2014 and featured a welterweight title clash between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler. The second event, UFC 217, unfolded in November 2017, headlined by a middleweight title fight between Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping.
Both UFC events at AT&T Stadium sold out, creating an electrifying atmosphere that showcased the stadium’s suitability for hosting major UFC events.
3. MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Capacity: 82,500
MetLife Stadium, situated in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the home of the NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants. As one of the largest and most popular stadiums in the United States, it has welcomed a UFC event in the form of UFC 244 in November 2019.
UFC 244 was headlined by a welterweight title bout between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, and it was a resounding success, attracting over 50,000 fans. The event’s electric atmosphere and unforgettable moments solidified MetLife Stadium’s reputation as a fantastic venue for major UFC events.
4. Marvel Stadium (Melbourne, Australia)
Capacity: 75,500
Marvel Stadium, located in Melbourne, Australia, is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club, the Australian Football League (AFL), and the Melbourne Victory of the A-League. It proudly stands as the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere.
Marvel Stadium has hosted two UFC events, both of which were pay-per-view spectacles. The first, UFC 193 in November 2015, featured a headline middleweight title fight between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm. The second, UFC 243 in October 2019, boasted a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.
These UFC events at Marvel Stadium were instant sell-outs, offering fans a mesmerizing atmosphere that attests to the stadium’s ability to host major UFC events.
5. Otkrytiye Arena (Moscow, Russia)
Capacity: 79,350
Otkrytiye Arena, based in Moscow, Russia, serves as the home stadium for FC Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League. It stands as the largest stadium in Russia and has hosted a UFC event, UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik, in September 2018.
The event featured a heavyweight clash between Mark Hunt and Aleksei Oleinik, and it was a sold-out sensation. The passionate fan base and large capacity of Otkrytiye Arena make it a standout venue for hosting major UFC events.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with its events hosted in some of the largest and most renowned stadiums on the planet. The five stadiums detailed in this article are the biggest UFC venues globally, each offering a unique and exciting setting for fans to witness the world’s best mixed martial artists in action. As the UFC’s global reach expands, we can anticipate even more spectacular events taking place in these colossal arenas.