How are UFC events numbered? The meaning of UFC fight number!
How do UFC events get their numbers? UFC 311 is one of the next UFC upcoming events. UFC 311 is a numbered UFC event, so a natural question is: how are UFC events numbered? Here is everything you need to know about why UFC fights are numbered, how UFC events get their numbers, and the meaning of the UFC event numbers. Watch & Bet on Sports =>
How do UFC events get their numbers?
Ever since its inaugural production in 1993, the UFC has produced over 650 events across the globe. The UFC has organized over 300 pay-per-view (PPV) events since UFC 290, and it is anticipated that it will cross 300 PPV showcases in 2024.
Frequently referred to as “numbered” events, the UFC strives to host around one PPV event every month. The UFC has an average of about nine monthly numbered/PPV events annually after 30 years of hosting significant MMA shows. However, this is not always the case.
Regardless of whether you have a membership to ESPN, the UFC’s TV partner, or not, these pay-per-view fights are a one-time fee to watch. The UFC has controversially raised the pricing of pay-per-view (PPV) events twice in the last two years, which amounts to over a 10% rise during a period in which fewer than 30 PPV productions have occurred.
Fans are treated to the best fights when they tune in, even if the price has increased from what is already a costly deal because it is a one-time event that lasts only a few hours.
In September 2022, Nate Diaz faced Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 279, one of the few times the UFC has held a pay-per-view event without a title fight. Even if the main event doesn’t have a championship fight on the schedule, most numbered events have at least one.
How many times a year is the UFC?
The UFC hosts about 40 events annually on average as of 2024. This equates to about two events every three weeks or three events every month. The number of UFC events held each year shows how the business has expanded.
Even if the UFC just hosted Fight Nights, there would still be about two events every month. The frequency of UFC bouts is that high. Depending on the network it airs on, UFC Fight Nights—also known as UFC on ABC or UFC on ESPN—occur about 30 times a year. The 12 PPV events, plus additional UFC-branded competitions like The Ultimate Fighter or Road to UFC, make up over 40 UFC events annually.
Let’s look at how many events took place in the 2010s and 2020s:
2024: 42 events last year
2023: 43
2022: 42
2021: 43
2020: 46 (five cancelled)
2019: 42 (one cancelled)
2018: 39
2017: 39
2016: 41 (one cancelled)
2015: 41
2014: 46 (one cancelled)
2013: 33
2012: 32 (one cancelled)
2011: 27
2010: 24
Why are UFC fights numbered?
For the following reasons, numbered UFC events are more important than Fight Nights: Star Power: Because well-known boxers compete in these events, high-profile fights are guaranteed.
Title Fights: There is always at least one title fight at numbered events, which may or may not be the main attraction.
Marketing and Hype: The UFC increases PPV sales by using Fight Night events to generate excitement and anticipation for these numbered events.
Numbered events are essential to the UFC’s economic strategy. With an average of 12 events per year and an average price of $69.99 per event, PPV purchases make up a significant amount of the UFC’s revenue stream.
In order to differentiate its events from other kinds of competitions, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) assigns numbers to them:
Events with numbers: These events are presently available for pay per view.
Events on Fight Night: ESPN+ presently broadcasts these events. ESPN+ is presently broadcasting the Ultimate Fighter Finale events.
UFC events on ABC: ABC presently broadcasts these events.
UFC events on ESPN: ESPN currently broadcasts these events.
UFC events on Fox: Fox used to show these events.
UFC events on FX: In the past, FX aired these events.
UFC events on Fuel TV: Fuel TV used to show these events.
UFC Live events: Versus used to broadcast these events.
What is the difference between UFC Fight Night and numbered UFC?
The main distinctions between UFC Fight Night and numbered UFC events are the format, cost, significance of the fights, and frequency of the event.
Platform of Viewing: Everyone with an ESPN+ subscription can watch UFC Fight Night, while numbered events are only accessible on PPV.
Price: UFC Fight Night is included in the $69.99 annual cost of an ESPN+ membership. Each numbered event, however, costs $69.99.
Importance of the Fight: While UFC Fight Nights concentrate on presenting up-and-coming fighters, numbered events frequently feature title fights and important matches.
Event Frequency: In the weeks preceding a PPV event, UFC fight nights take place virtually every week. Numbered events are less common, happening roughly once a month on average.
FAQ on numbered UFC events
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how UFC events are numbered.
How many numbered UFC events are there a year?
The number of numbered UFC events held each year typically ranges between 12 and 14, depending on the UFC’s scheduling decisions. These events, also known as pay-per-view (PPV) events, are distinct from UFC Fight Nights.
What are UFC-numbered events?
Numbered UFC events, like UFC 300, are major pay-per-view (PPV) events organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
How are fighters selected for numbered events?
Selection is based on: rankings and title aspirations; fan interest and rivalries; fighter availability; and contract terms.
What makes a UFC-numbered event special?
Numbered events often: Feature multiple title fights, Attract the biggest names in MMA, Celebrate milestones with elaborate production.
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