UFC fight nights are exciting mixed martial arts events put on by the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion. For MMA fans, attending a live UFC event is an unforgettable experience. If you want to see your favorite fighters compete up close and experience the electric atmosphere inside the arena, you’ll need to get tickets to the event. Here’s what you need to know about getting tickets to a UFC fight night.
When and where do UFC fight nights take place?
The UFC holds events across the United States and around the world throughout the year. Most UFC fight nights take place on Saturday nights, with the main card starting around 8 or 10 PM local time. The UFC schedules events regularly in las Vegas, which is considered the hometown of the promotion. But they also visit major venues in cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other big metro areas. The UFC sometimes holds special fight night events on weeknights as well.
In addition, the UFC hosts international fight nights in countries like Canada, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, England, and more. So if you live outside the US, you may be able to catch a UFC event in your area. The UFC posts their full schedule of upcoming events on the UFC website and app with dates, locations, and ticket information.
How to get tickets to a UFC fight night event
There are a few main options for getting tickets to see a UFC fight live:
Buy tickets from the UFC website
The primary way to get UFC tickets is to purchase them directly from UFC.com. The UFC puts tickets for all their events on sale through their website. You can browse upcoming events, check seat availability, and securely buy official tickets online. One advantage of using the UFC site is there are no extra broker fees added to the price. You can create a free UFC Fight Club membership to get early access to tickets before the general public.
Use Ticketmaster or the venue’s box office
In many cases, UFC uses Ticketmaster to handle ticket sales and distribution for their events. So you can also try to get tickets through Ticketmaster online or by phone. There may be some Ticketmaster seller fees added to the base price. If the event is at a major arena, you can also try going to the venue’s box office to buy tickets in person without extra fees. Box office hours are usually limited, so get there early before tickets sell out.
Go through a ticket reseller or broker
Third-party ticket brokers and resellers like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, etc. are alternative options for getting UFC tickets, especially closer to the event dates. Brokers may have tickets available even when the primary sites are sold out. However, the ticket prices are often marked up significantly above face value through resellers. There is also a higher risk of fraud and scams, so use caution and carefully vet the source. StubHub offers buyer guarantees on valid tickets.
Join the UFC newsletter for presales
Signing up for the free UFC email newsletter can give you access to special presales before the general public. Presales allow you to buy tickets early before the best seats get snatched up. Presale offer codes are typically sent out a couple days ahead of the presale date. UFC also announces upcoming presales on their social media pages. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss presale announcements.
How far in advance should you buy UFC tickets?
Ideally, aim to purchase your UFC tickets as early as possible once they go on sale. For the biggest UFC events like major pay-per-views, tickets can sell out completely within hours or days. The earlier you buy, the better selection you’ll have of seat locations.
For smaller UFC fight nights, you may be able to get away with waiting longer closer to the event. But availability and choices will become more limited the longer you wait. Limited tickets may still be available leading up to event night. Just expect to pay higher prices getting them last minute.
Many UFC tickets go on sale 60-90 days in advance, though it varies event by event. Check the UFC website for the on-sale date when new events are first announced. Set a calendar reminder so you don’t forget to buy tickets as soon as they become available.
Where are the best seats located at a UFC event?
The octagon is right in the center of the arena floor for 360 degrees of viewing. But some UFC seats offer better sightlines and proximity than others:
Floor seats
Floor seats put you at ringside level with the octagon action. You’ll have the closest vantage point and may even be seen on camera. But you’ll be looking up at the fighters instead of down from an elevated angle. Floor seats are premium tickets that cost more.
Lower bowl
The lower bowl offers elevated sightlines for looking down into the cage. Aim for the first 10-15 rows for optimal viewing proximity. Center sections facing the big screens provide the most head-on perspective.
Upper bowl
Upper bowl and balcony seats are further away but more affordable options. The cheapest seats are in the upper sections at the far ends. Avoid sitting behind the big screens or lighting rigs that can obstruct views.
Suite rentals
Corporate suites with private lounges provide luxury amenities. But you’ll watch behind glass instead of getting a close-up view. Suite tickets are very expensive but ideal for entertaining groups.
| Seat Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Floor seats | Closest to the action Chance to be seen on TV Prestige seating |
Most expensive Looking up at fighters |
| Lower bowl | Elevated sightlines Near the action Better pricing |
Limited availability Higher demand |
| Upper bowl | More affordable pricing Raised viewing angle |
Further from the action Obstructed views |
| Suites | Luxury amenities Space for groups |
Behind glass No close-up access Very expensive |
Are there any ways to get UFC tickets for cheap or free?
UFC tickets don’t come cheap, especially for top fights in major venues. But here are some ways you may be able to score discounted or complimentary tickets:
– Join UFC Fight Club for presale ticket access – membership starts at $54.99/year
– Get on the UFC newsletter list for special offers
– Follow UFC social media for ticket giveaways and contests
– Look for coupon codes and promos to use when buying tickets
– Search Groupon, LivingSocial, etc. for discounted UFC ticket deals
– Buy official UFC VIP packages that bundle good seats with extras
– Attend UFC events at smaller venues like UFC Apex where tickets are cheaper
– Travel to events in smaller markets with lower ticket demand
– Buy last minute tickets at the box office for unsold seats
– Check with sports radio stations in the host city for ticket giveaways
– Contact your credit card company for cardholder perks and UFC ticket offers
– Find a friend who knows someone at the venue or promotion
The best deals go fast, so take advantage of specials quickly when you see them. But patience and persistence can help you land cheaper tickets.
Are there other ways to attend UFC events besides buying tickets?
If you want to experience the thrill of a live UFC event without buying pricey tickets, you do have some other options:
– Attend open workouts – The fighters hold public pre-fight workouts you can watch for free
– Go to UFC weigh-ins – The weigh-in events the day before the fights are free and open to the public
– Visit the UFC Fan Experience – UFC hosts interactive fan festivals with fighter meet-and-greets
– Enter UFC contests and sweepstakes – Follow UFC social media for chances to win free tickets
– Go to UFC press conferences – The pre-fight press events sometimes allow spectators
– Get a job working events – UFC hires staffers, vendors, security, etc. to work on event nights
– Volunteer at UFC events – Ask the venue and UFC about volunteer opportunities
– Appear as an extra – UFC sometimes looks for fans to play audience extras on event broadcasts
– Travel to free UFC public appearances – Fighters make promotional appearances you can attend
– Watch weigh-ins and press conferences online – UFC streams them on their YouTube channel
While you need a ticket to get inside on fight night, there are still ways for die-hard UFC fans to get close to the action.
Can you get into UFC events by knowing someone in the company?
Knowing someone who works for the UFC or the arena does not guarantee any special treatment for getting free UFC tickets. However, it could potentially help:
– UFC employees may have access to ticket discounts, comps, and perks
– Arena employees may be able to buy discounted tickets or grab last minute seats
– Fighters get extra tickets for friends and family
– UFC sponsors and partners receive some complimentary tickets
– Celebrities, VIPs, and high rollers often get free tickets hooked up
– Employees can enter UFC ticket giveaways and contests
– Staffers can ask about volunteer ushering opportunities
– Contacts may have tips on UFC ticket presales and promos
Your best chance is if you know someone high up in the UFC corporate office or someone very close to a big name fighter. Average employees likely won’t have much pull for getting free tickets. But they could help point you to special deals and opportunities.
Any hookups would be as a favor, not a guarantee. So only reach out if you genuinely know someone at UFC. Don’t just blindly ask for handouts from UFC employees you barely know.
How much do UFC fight night tickets usually cost?
Ticket prices vary widely based on the event location, card lineup, venue size, seat type, demand, and other factors. Here’s an approximate range of what you can expect to pay:
– UFC Apex facility – $50-$300+
– Small arena – $75-$500+
– Medium arena – $150-$1,000+
– Large arena – $200-$1,500+
– Massive stadium – $300-$2,500+
A UFC pay-per-view event will be far more expensive than a generic Fight Night show. Main event fighters like Conor McGregor or Jon Jones will drive up prices. And a hometown venue with rabid local fans creates high demand. Expect to pay more for floor seats near the octagon as well.
With dynamic demand-based pricing, the same seat could cost anywhere from face value up to 10X as much through a broker. Don’t wait until the last minute unless you’re willing to pay a premium. Lock in the best deals by buying early.
Should you buy UFC tickets from scalpers or touts outside the venue?
Buying tickets from unofficial scalpers, touts, or ticket agents outside the event comes with big risks:
– Counterfeit tickets – It’s easy to make fake tickets that look real
– Voided tickets – Some listed tickets may have already been scanned at the door
– Stolen tickets – Unethical scalpers may sell tickets not belonging to them
– Marked up prices – Scalpers often charge way above face value for tickets
– No guarantees – No recourse if fake or invalid tickets don’t work
– Scams – Some scalpers may just take your money and run
– Legal issues – Touting tickets is illegal in many cities and venues
– Denied entry – You could be turned away at the door with invalid tickets
Your best bet is to only buy UFC tickets from official authorized sources like the venue box office, UFC.com, or major reputable ticket brokers. Avoid shady scalpers who have no accountability. Or at the very least thoroughly inspect any physical tickets before paying cash for them.
Can you get UFC tickets the day of the event?
It’s risky to wait until the day of the event and try to get UFC tickets at the last minute. By event day, many shows are completely sold out. Any remaining scattered single seats will be priced very high based on demand. But if it’s a smaller show that hasn’t filled up, you may still be able to get tickets day of:
– Check official ticket seller websites – Additional seat releases or returns may popup
– Try the venue box office – They may hold back some tickets for day of sales
– Ask at the UFC fan experience – Last minute tickets may be made available
– Look for local ticket brokers – Some keep selling tickets outside venues
– Use Gametime and mobile apps – Last minute unsold seats often get listed
– Arrive early and scout for scalpers – But avoid shady sellers and counterfeits
– Keep checking leading up to start time – Prices drop as eager sellers offload inventory
Don’t bank on finding tickets day of though. Have backup places nearby picked out to watch the event just in case. Getting shut out at the door would be a frustrating end to the night.
Should you buy UFC tickets as part of a travel package?
Bundling UFC tickets with a hotel, airfare, and other perks through an official travel package could be a smart move. Potential benefits of UFC travel packages include:
– Guaranteed tickets – Packages get access to reserved ticket allotments
– Built-in lodging – Hotels near the venue are pre-arranged
– Discounted room rates – Hotel deals sweeten the bundle price
– Bundled discounts – Costs may be cheaper vs purchasing separately
– UFC fan experience access – Some packages include entry to the fan fest
– Merchandise and souvenirs – UFC gear and swag added as incentives
– UFC legend meet and greets – Chance to mingle with fighter greats
– Behind-the-scenes perks – Backstage tours, training center visits, etc.
– Built-in transportation – Airport transfers, public transit passes, etc.
– Convenience – All logistics taken care of in one booking
Downsides are that packages with fixed elements are less flexible. And cheaper deals on individual parts may be available. But for a seamless UFC trip, bundles are worth looking into.
What are other things to know when buying UFC tickets?
Here are some additional tips and insights on purchasing UFC tickets directly:
– Tickets purchased through resellers may not be refundable or transferable
– There are no exchanges or refunds for UFC tickets bought from UFC.com
– UFC fan club members get first access during presales
– Expect surcharges like service fees, facility fees, and taxes on top of base ticket prices
– Front row and floor seats are very hard to get and expensive
– Booking early gets you the best price selection and availability
– Avoid buying from unofficial vendors and social media ticket pages
– Inspect e-tickets closely and ensure the barcodes are legible
– UFC can change card lineups at the last minute due to injuries
– Sign up for UFC newsletters for presale code announcements
– Set up an account ahead of time if buying directly from UFC.com
– Monitor traffic, parking, transit, and road closures around the venue
– Bring approved identification to match the ticket holder name
– Tickets are non-refundable so buy travel insurance in case plans change
– Arrive early to move through security and get to your seat in time
Conclusion
UFC events offer an electric in-arena atmosphere that MMA fans can’t get from just watching at home. Attending a UFC fight night live should be on every serious fan’s bucket list. With high demand, scarce ticket supply, and steep resale markups, getting UFC tickets requires strategy. Move fast when tickets initially go on sale, utilize presales, avoid unofficial sources, and be prepared to pay a premium for the best seats. While not cheap, buying tickets to a live UFC event is worth the cost for the lifelong memories.