UFC tickets can vary greatly in price depending on the event, the seat location, and when the tickets are purchased. Prices typically range from around $50 for nosebleed seats at smaller events to over $1,000 for ringside seats at major pay-per-view events. There are a number of factors that influence how much UFC tickets will cost on fight night.
Ticket Prices for Main UFC Events
The UFC holds about 40 events per year. The biggest events are the numbered UFC pay-per-view events, usually held once a month or so. These major fight cards feature championship fights and star fighters, and are staged at large venues like the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets for these high-profile UFC events are the most expensive.
Some examples of prices for UFC pay-per-view events:
- UFC 246: McGregor vs. Cowboy (2020) – Tickets ranged from $200 for upper deck seats to $2,500+ for floor seats near the Octagon.
- UFC 229: Khabib vs. McGregor (2018) – Sold for $300-$2,500+. The most expensive resale tickets went for over $10,000.
- UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor (2016) – First UFC event at Madison Square Garden had tickets from $150 into the thousands.
As you can see, floor seats and premium lower bowl seating can run into the thousands for the big UFC events in major venues. Even cheap seats far away from the Octagon will still typically cost over $100.
Ticket Prices for UFC on ESPN and Fight Night Events
In addition to the numbered pay-per-view cards, the UFC also runs events on ESPN and Fight Night events on ESPN or ESPN+. These events usually take place in smaller venues and do not have title fights. As a result, tickets tend to be cheaper.
Some examples of UFC on ESPN and Fight Night ticket prices:
- UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos (2020) – Ranged from $40 for upper deck seats to $125 for lower level spots.
- UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos (2019) – Went for $40 to $200+ depending on seat location.
- UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Korean Zombie (2019) – Started around $50 for nosebleeds and topped out around $300 for floor seats.
These smaller UFC events may have ticket prices starting under $50, even for mediocre seat locations. But better seats on the lower level or closer to the Octagon will still command $200 or more in many cases.
When to Buy UFC Tickets
Timing your ticket purchase is an important factor in maximizing value. There are several guidelines to keep in mind:
- Buy early – Tickets are usually cheapest right when they go on sale to the public. Prices typically increase as the event draws nearer and inventory shrinks.
- Avoid resale late – If buying on secondary markets close to event date, prices are usually inflated.
- Sales possible – Occasionally UFC tickets will be discounted briefly leading up to the event to boost sales.
- Weigh presales – Special presales for UFC newsletter subscribers sometimes have deals.
Buying your tickets as soon as you can once they go on sale is generally the best move. But keep an eye out for special presales and last minute deals in the weeks prior as well.
Where to Buy UFC Tickets
There are a few different options when looking for UFC tickets for an upcoming event:
- Primary market – Available through Ticketmaster and the venue box office when tickets initially go on sale
- Resell sites – Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, etc. Prices fluctuate over time leading up to events
- UFC newsletter – Presale codes sometimes offered for ticket purchases
- Official UFC VIP packages – Bundles that include tickets with experiences like meet & greets
The primary ticket market will have the most options right when tickets go on sale. As the event approaches, resale sites become more useful for finding available seats. But prices are often inflated on secondary markets.
Factors in UFC Ticket Prices
Why can one UFC event have $50 cheap seats while others start over $500? There are a number of significant factors that impact UFC ticket prices:
- Card strength – Events with title fights and star power drive up demand and prices.
- Venue size – Smaller venues means less tickets available which hikes up costs.
- Location – Las Vegas and New York are more expensive markets than other cities.
- Opponent matchups – Competitive, compelling fights increase fan interest.
- Row/seat number – Tickets get pricier the closer they are to the Octagon.
The combination of these factors is why a major PPV at a big Las Vegas venue can have floor seats selling for thousands of dollars, compared to $50 seats in the rafters at a Minnesota Fight Night event.
UFC VIP Experiences
In addition to regular event tickets, the UFC also offers special VIP ticket packages with exclusive experiences like these:
- Backstage tours – Go behind the scenes pre or post-fight
- Meet & greets – Meet fighters and UFC execs
- Training experience – Attend a real UFC fighter training session
- VIP lines – Get expedited entrance to venue and events
- Post-fight presser – Attend the post-event press conferences
- Premium seats – Guaranteed seats near the Octagon
These special UFC ticket packages typically start between $500-$1,000 per person depending on the type of experience. It’s a splurge, but gives fans unique access and memories.
Octagon Experience
Fans looking for the ultimate UFC experience can purchase Octagon Experience VIP packages. These include:
- A seat right next to the Octagon
- Chance to watch fighters’ entrance
- Meet UFC celebs and personalities
- Premium food and drinks
- Signed merchandise and souvenirs
Only a very limited number of these exclusive packages are offered at each event. The price starts around $5,000 per person, making it a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for die-hard UFC fans.
UFC Ticket Refunds, Exchanges, and Transfers
Policy | Details |
---|---|
Refunds | Full refunds given only if event is canceled or postponed. No refunds for rescheduled events. Refunds for postponed events may take 30+ days. |
Exchanges | Exchanges may be permitted for comparable or lower priced tickets. Fees apply for exchanges. |
Transfers | Tickets can be transferred electronically in Ticketmaster. Recipient must create Ticketmaster account. |
UFC fans should be aware of the refund, exchange, and transfer policies around event tickets. There are limitations compared to other live events. Transferring tickets electronically is the most flexible option.
Tips for Buying UFC Tickets
Follow these tips when buying tickets to a UFC pay-per-view or other major event:
- Shop early – Prices normally lowest right at the initial on-sale
- Buy together – All attendees should get seats together at time of purchase
- Check presales – Sales for UFC newsletter subscribers sometimes have deals
- Beware fees – Tack on fees can really add up, so account for them in budget
- Read fine print – Understand all policies related to transfers, refunds, etc.
- Consider VIP – The special experiences can be worth it for die-hard UFC fans
- Choose payment – UFC takes all major cards, PayPal, and UFC Gift Cards
Finding the best deals on UFC tickets and having the ideal live experience takes a little advance planning. But following these tips will help fans get seats to the big events at the best prices.
Cheapest UFC Events
Fans on a tight budget should target these cheaper UFC events when looking for tickets under $100:
- Fight Nights on ESPN/ESPN+
- Non-PPV events in smaller markets like Salt Lake City, Austin, etc.
- Events overseas like UFC London, UFC Sweden, etc.
- Shows headlined by less popular fighters
- Final quick sale days right before the event
Nosebleed seats or far upper deck spots for as low as $50-60 are often available for UFC events in smaller venues featuring lesser known fighters. Aggressively shopping sales leading up to fight night can sometimes yield deals too.
Most Expensive UFC Events
These UFC events typically have the highest ticket prices, especially for seats near the Octagon:
- Major pay-per-view fight cards
- Title fights, especially for big names like Conor McGregor
- Numbered events like UFC 200, UFC 250, etc.
- Debut events in new, large markets like UFC NYC
- Stacked cards with multiple title fights
- Events in major venues like MSG, T-Mobile Arena, etc.
Count on spending big for UFC events in Las Vegas like UFC International Fight Week or end of year cards. Prices can easily run into the thousands per seat for the premiere matchups in iconic locations.
Future UFC Ticket Prices and Events
Here is a glimpse at some notable upcoming UFC events and an estimate of the ticket price ranges:
UFC Event | Date | Venue | Low Price Estimate | High Price Estimate |
---|---|---|---|---|
UFC 287 | April 8, 2023 | T-Mobile Arena | $150 | $1,500 |
UFC 289 | May 13, 2023 | Toyota Center | $75 | $750 |
International Fight Week | July 8, 2023 | T-Mobile Arena | $250 | $2,500 |
Fans looking to attend an upcoming UFC event in 2023 can use these price ranges as a benchmark for budgeting. International Fight Week and other Vegas pay-per-views will be the most costly.
Final Thoughts
UFC tickets can cost anywhere from $40 to $10,000+ depending on the event, seating, and demand. Average costs often fall in the $150 to $500 range. When and where you buy will greatly impact pricing too. Big events in major venues with star fighters will be the most expensive. But even lower-profile UFC events offer an unforgettable live experience at a more affordable price. Compare all the options to find the perfect seat at the right value.