We’re on the verge of the first ever free, Network TV broadcast of MMA, and I think it’s worth mentioning the degree to which the exorbitant cost of keeping up with MMA (and UFC in particular) makes it hard for the sport to grow.
Paying 50 dollars a month is not really an option for your casual fan. They will buy Liddell fights and other big ones with stars they know, but 500-600 bucks a year is asking them to pay far more than they do for any other sport outside of boxing. Many are willing to do it, but when new fans hear about UFC and want to check out a big fight, the price tag is immediately going to make many people choose not to.
Look at this weekend’s WEC. With ticket prices scaled down significantly, the show will significantly outsell UFC 73 at the gate in terms of total number of tickets sold. When MMA is affordable, people go. The UFC has experienced a drop-off in ticket sales when it returns to cities a second time, largely because people are willing to pay exorbitant ticket prices once to get the experience, but after that they are less willing to plunk down 300-800 bucks.
UFC ticket prices have been scaled back since the Brock Lesnar show did so poorly at the gate. They are very high though, and it may be worth considering going to bigger arenas and charging less in ticket prices. Attempts to maximize revenue in the short run can harm it in the long run, and if tickets keep getting more expensive there will be a backlash from fans.