In 2013, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held 100 events around the world. In 2018, there were dates for over 350 events. With this many events taking place, there are many great venues to choose from.
Are you a die-hard UFC fan looking for the ultimate arena experience? Look no further. We have scoured the globe to bring you the top contenders for the title of “Best UFC Arena.” From Vegas glitz and glamour to gritty Mexican charm, we will take you on a journey through some of history’s most iconic fighting venues.
Get ready to feel every punch and cheer on your favorite fighters as we explore what makes each Arena truly special. So, buckle up, and let us dive into our countdown of the best UFC arenas around.
Top 10 Best Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Arena & Stadiums
| Arena Name | Capacity |
| T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, Nevada | 20,000 |
| MGM Grand Arena Garden | 17,000 |
| Mexico City Arena, Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico | 22,300 |
| Bell Centre (Montreal, Canada) | 23,500 |
| Mandalay Bay Events Center | 12,000 |
| Olympic Stadium (Moscow, Russia) | 35,000 |
| Saitama Super Arena (Saitama, Japan) | 33,500 |
| UFC Apex | — |
| The Pearl Theater | 15,000 |
| Madison Square Garden – New York, New York | 22,000 |
Here are the top ten best arenas and stadiums that play host to UFC events.
1. T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, Nevada (Capacity 20,000)
There is no doubt that the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is one of the best UFC arenas in the world. It has got a huge capacity of 20,000, and it is home to some of the biggest UFC events. The atmosphere is always electric, and the fans are always behind the fighters.
The Arena is also situated in one of the most iconic cities in the world, Las Vegas. It is the perfect place for a big UFC event, and it always delivers on the hype. If you are looking for a great UFC experience, then the T-Mobile Arena is the place to be.
T-Mobile Arena is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is because it is the largest mixed martial arts venue in the United States. Additionally, the Arena has a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting. The T-Mobile Arena also has a retractable roof, which allows for fights to take place regardless of weather conditions.
2. MGM Grand Garden Arena (Capacity 17,000)
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is widely considered to be one of the best UFC arenas in the world. It has a capacity of 17,000 and is located in Las Vegas. The Arena is known for its excellent facilities and outstanding customer service.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is one of the largest arenas in the United States, with a capacity of 17,500. The Arena features 166 luxury suites and 2,950 club seats. There are also several restaurants and bars located inside the Arena.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena has been host to a number of memorable UFC events over the years. Some of the most notable include:
UFC 196: McGregor vs. Cerrone – This was Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the Octagon after his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. McGregor defeated Donald Cerrone by TKO in just 40 seconds.
UFC 200: Tate vs. Nunes – This event was headlined by two women’s title fights. In the main event, Amanda Nunes defeated Miesha Tate to retain her bantamweight title. In the co-main event, Holly Holm lost.
The Arena is known for its excellent facilities and production values, which have made it a popular choice for major UFC events.
3. Mexico City Arena – Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico (Capacity 22,300)
Mexico City Arena in Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico, is the best UFC arena. It is a beautiful, modern facility that can accommodate up to 22,300 fans.
The Arena is located in the heart of Mexico City, making it easy for fans to get to and from the venue. Mexico City arena has a state-of-the-art sound system that ensures that every seat in the house is the best in the house. It is one of the largest arenas in the world and has hosted some of the most epic battles in UFC history.
The Arena features a massive LED screen that gives fans an up-close and personal view of all the action, as well as ample seating to ensure everyone has a great view.
There is also a VIP area for those who want to experience the ultimate luxury while watching the fights. So if you are looking for an unforgettable UFC experience, be sure to check out Mexico City Arena. Mexico City Arena is the perfect setting for a UFC event, and it is sure to be a hit with fans and fighters alike.
4. Bell Centre – Montreal, Canada (Capacity 23,500)
The Bell Centre, located in Montreal, Canada, is widely considered to be one of the best MMA venues in the world. The Arena has a capacity of 23,500 and is home to the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL. The Bell Centre has hosted numerous UFC events, including UFC 97, UFC 83, and UFC 186. The Arena is also set to host UFC 223 in April 2018. The Arena has hosted some of the biggest UFC events in recent years, including UFC 158: St-Pierre vs. Diaz and UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi.
The Bell Centre is known for its excellent facilities and amenities, as well as its passionate and knowledgeable fans. The Arena provides a great setting for MMA events, and its proximity to Montreal’s vibrant nightlife makes it a popular destination for UFC fans from all over the world.
5. Mandalay Bay Events – Las Vegas, Nevada Center (Capacity 12,000)
Mandalay Bay Events Center is one of the best UFC arenas in the world. It is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has a capacity of 12,000 people. The Arena is known for its great acoustics and excellent sight lines.
Mandalay Bay Events Center has hosted some of the biggest UFC events in history, including UFC 196, UFC 200, and UFC 202. The Arena is also home to the legendary boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
6. Olympic Stadium – Moscow, Russia (Capacity 35,000)
The Olympic Stadium, also known as the Luzhniki Stadium, is a world-famous arena located in Moscow, Russia. It is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of over 35,000 people. The Olympic Stadium has been host to many large events, including the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final.
The stadium is also home to the Russian national football team and FC Spartak Moscow. In addition to football, the Olympic Stadium has hosted numerous concerts and other sporting events. The facilities and infrastructure are top-notch, making it one of the best stadiums in the world.
The UFC held two events at the Olympic Stadium: UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleynik in 2016 and UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Volkov in 2018. Both events were met with great success and drew large crowds. The Olympic Stadium is definitely one of the best UFC arenas in the world.
7. Saitama Super Arena – Saitama, Japan (Capacity 33,500)
The Saitama Super Arena is one of the best UFC arenas in the world. It is located in Saitama, Japan, and can accommodate up to 33,500 people. The Arena has a wide range of facilities, including a training room, a gym, and a spa. It also has a large car park and is easily accessible by public transport.
The Saitama Super Arena has hosted some of the biggest UFC events in recent years, including UFC 193 and UFC 200. It is one of the most popular arenas in the world and has a great atmosphere. The Arena is also very well-equipped and can accommodate a large number of fans.
8. UFC Apex – Nevada, United States (Capacity 2,500)
Apex (formerly UFC APEX) is a mixed martial arts production and training facility in Enterprise, Nevada, United States, owned and operated by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It was opened on March 27, 2020.
The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) arena has a capacity of up to 2,500 people and features two MMA cages, a boxing ring, a Batak wall, pretzel bags, weightlifting equipment, and a cardiovascular workout area. The center stage is surrounded by 28 LED monitors. The lobby contains several murals of past UFC events and fighters.
Apex was designed as a production hub for the promotion’s international Fight Night events and Dana White’s Contender Series; all events held at the complex are closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also serves as a training ground for up-and-coming UFC fighters.
The UFC Performance Institute West is located adjacent to Apex. The 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m2) facility contains state-of-the-art equipment and services for fighter athlete development and recovery, including physiotherapy, massage therapy, strength & conditioning equipment and facilities, nutrition counseling, mindset coaching, and sports science support staff.
9. The Pearl Theater – Palace Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas (Capacity 1,500)
The Pearl Theater, also known as the Palace Station Hotel & Casino, is a hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Winchester, Nevada. It is owned and operated by Station Casinos. The Pearl Theater was originally built as a 1,500-seat showroom for live music and entertainment.
The venue has been used for a variety of events, including boxing matches, live concerts, mixed martial arts events, stand-up comedy, and more. In July 2018, the Pearl Theater played host to the ESPN+ MMA card headlined by Jeremy Stephens vs. Gilbert Melendez. This would mark the first time that the Pearl Theater would be used for an MMA event.
The Pearl Theater is one of the top ten best UFC arenas, according to several factors. Its location on the Las Vegas Strip makes it easily accessible for fans attending events. The theater also has great amenities, such as a bar and restaurant on site. Additionally, the theater has a large seating capacity which can accommodate a large number of fans.
10. Madison Square Garden – New York (Capacity 20,000)
New York is home to some of the best sports venues in the world, and Madison Square Garden is no exception. The Garden has been host to some of the most iconic moments in UFC history, from Matt Hughes’ first title defense against Frank Trigg to Georges St-Pierre’s title unification bout against Dan Hardy.
With a capacity of over 20,000, Madison Square Garden is one of the largest arenas in the UFC, and its central location in New York City makes it a popular destination for both fans and fighters alike. The Garden also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a fully equipped Octagon, making it one of the most desirable venues for UFC events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best UFC arena depends largely on each individual’s preferences and budget. Whether you prefer a large stadium with thousands of fans or an intimate setting for a more personal experience, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Our top picks include Madison Square Garden in New York City, The Forum in Los Angeles, and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. No matter where you decide to watch your next UFC event, we hope that this article has provided you with some insight into what makes these arenas special so that you can make an informed decision.
