​UFC 329 recently surpassed UFC Sphere to claim the title of the highest-grossing live event gate in UFC history, a development that could help the promotion offset some of the financial losses from the Miami debacle. The ripple effect of Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon was a major driver behind the record-breaking $25 million haul, underscoring why UFC CEO Dana White was willing to look past McGregor’s recent legal troubles, including a determination of liability for sexual assault in the cases that had surfaced. “The Conor McGregor effect is huge,” White told ESPN. “Our previous biggest gate was the Sphere at $22 million, and this new gate surpassed it with $25 million. This is the biggest gate in UFC history tied to his return. The city is buzzing.”
Historically, UFC events featuring Alex Pereira at the T-Mobile Arena have drawn strong crowds, but they haven’t approached these numbers. The price surge for McGregor’s comeback fight—set for Saturday night against longtime rival Max Holloway—helped push the gate to all-time highs. The event will be broadcast on Paramount+, which means there will be no traditional pay-per-view (PPV) bonuses for the headliners, yet the financial upside for McGregor and the promotion remains substantial. In the end, “Notorious” is expected to walk away with a sizable payday, even without PPV upside, thanks to a combination of higher ticket prices, premium seating, and global audience interest.
For those wondering about the rest of the lineup at UFC 329, more details on the supporting fights are available. The card features a mix of marquee names and rising contenders, all contributing to what turned into a landmark night for the UFC. The event’s strong performance at the gate reflects McGregor’s enduring star power and the broader appetite among fans for high-stakes battles featuring the Irishman. As the UFC continues to navigate its post-pandemic economics, the success of this event serves as a reminder of the significant financial imprint that a top-tier fighter can have on live gate receipts and overall event profitability.