UFC CEO Dana White Firm On No Stadium Shows Stance Despite Conor McGregor's Return Condition

UFC President Dana White is sticking to his stance: stadium shows are not happening under his leadership.

Despite attending WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—an event that drew over 63,000 fans—White remains committed to the intimate energy of arenas. When asked at the UFC on ESPN 66 post-fight press conference if the stadium experience changed his mind, his response was firm.

"No, nothing will change my mind about a stadium show. I mean, you guys were here tonight. Kansas City is an awesome city. The people here are great, I really like this town and the energy in that place was awesome all night. That’s the energy you get – not that there wasn’t any [energy at WrestleMania]. What’d they have, 63,000 people there? You’re going to get some energy like they did. I am not a fan of stadiums. I like arenas."

White's commitment to arenas could complicate plans for some of the UFC’s biggest stars. Conor McGregor, absent from the Octagon since July 2021, publicly stated he won't return unless it's for a stadium event—likely inspired by WrestleMania's spectacle. Rising star Ilia Topuria has also expressed interest in fighting at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid.

As UFC grows globally, pressure may mount for White to reconsider—but for now, the arena remains home.

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Source: MMA Junkie

Photo Credit: UFC